How far can you actually drive with a 500 km range?
2 Answers
A 500 km range can actually drive within 400 km. Below is an introduction to energy-saving techniques for electric vehicles. Maintain a steady speed at medium to low levels: A medium to low speed is approximately 1/4 to 1/3 of the maximum speed, roughly 40-60 kilometers per hour, which corresponds to most urban commuting conditions. This is because this speed range aligns with the motor's optimal efficiency range, where the current is not too high, yet it doesn't compromise commuting efficiency. When the speed meets the requirement, controlling the throttle to maintain a steady speed allows the battery to discharge evenly, keeping it close to the ideal range. Avoid sudden acceleration and deceleration: Gentle acceleration and preemptive deceleration are the most fuel-efficient driving methods. This is because they make full use of the engine's output energy without wasting it on braking. The same applies to electric vehicles—the motor is most energy-efficient when output power is constant. Sudden acceleration can cause an instantaneous surge in current, leading to unnecessary waste. Additionally, most modern electric vehicles come with energy recovery systems. Preemptive deceleration maximizes the use of energy recovery for braking, avoiding energy loss from braking. Furthermore, when descending long or steep slopes, the energy recovery can be set to maximum.
I commute with an electric car that claims a 500 km range, which sounds great, but in reality, it's around 400 km. Stop-and-go traffic in the city drains the battery quickly, and turning on the AC or heating in winter can drop the range to about 380 km. A new car performs better, but after a year of use, the battery might lose tens of kilometers. I drive about 50 km daily, so charging every three to four days is manageable, especially with convenient charging stations. However, on highways, driving over 100 km/h increases wind resistance, and a 500 km range can drop to 430 km. Driving habits also matter—smooth acceleration and fewer sudden brakes save energy, while aggressive driving drains the battery faster. Overall, for daily commutes, it's sufficient, but for long trips, it's wise to plan extra charging stops.