How Far Can an Electric Car with 400km Range Actually Drive on the Highway?

[StephenLynn]

For a car with a nominal range of 400 kilometers, the actual highway range is typically around 340 kilometers. Below are some additional details: Range reduction: Due to varying usage conditions, such as air conditioning temperature settings or using the heater in winter, the range of an electric vehicle can decrease to different extents. Taking the heater as an example, in a fuel-powered car, the heater can utilize waste heat from the engine without consuming much additional energy. Temperature and road conditions: In winter, when temperatures drop, the range of electric vehicles often decreases further. The lithium batteries in these vehicles experience reduced activity and discharge capacity due to the cold weather, resulting in a shorter driving range for electric cars.

[NoahRose]

I just got an electric car not long ago and often think about the highway range issue. An EV with a claimed 400 km range can be significantly affected by speed on highways. At 120 km/h, wind resistance increases dramatically, causing energy consumption to skyrocket, possibly reducing the actual range to just 300-320 km. In low-speed city driving, it’s closer to the claimed range, but highway efficiency drops by half due to accelerated battery discharge rates. I tested driving a Model 3 on the Beijing-Shanghai route with medium AC, and in winter, the range dropped to around 280 km. I recommend maintaining a steady speed of 100-110 km/h and avoiding sudden acceleration. Plan trips using Gaode Maps to check charging points, leaving a 30% buffer. Proper tire pressure can save 5% energy—don’t skip routine maintenance. On highways, prepare to charge after around 300 km for peace of mind.

[CadenDella]

I've been driving for over 30 years and am quite comfortable with electric vehicles. On highways, a car with a 400km range can typically cover about 330km in real-world conditions, especially on long trips. High speeds increase wind resistance, and turning on the AC significantly reduces range. My regular Guangzhou-Shenzhen trip is around 380km, and I always make one charging stop to be safe. Driving habits are crucial: avoid frequent overtaking and maintain a steady 110 km/h for optimal efficiency. The remaining range shown on the app should be taken with a grain of salt. Summer heat consumes more energy, so plan charging stations in advance. From my experience, never neglect regular battery check-ups. In summary, 330km is the safest highway range to count on - always leave some buffer for unexpected situations.

[MacKylie]

I commute daily with an electric car and also take it on highway trips. The so-called 400 km range actually falls short to under 320 km on highways due to high-speed wind resistance and air conditioning power consumption. It gets worse in winter with the heater on, possibly dropping to 280 km. Many factors affect this: insufficient tire pressure increases power consumption; a load increase of over 20% drains the battery faster. It's advisable to check weather and road conditions before trips and plan charging stops every 250 km. Maintain a steady speed of 100 km/h and use eco mode. Drive safely on highways—don't rush.