The distance an electric vehicle (EV) can travel on a single charge, known as its driving range, varies dramatically. Most new EVs today offer between 250 and 400 miles of range, but the real-world number you get depends heavily on your driving style, weather, and vehicle load. For a conventional car with a 12-volt battery, it can typically run the radio for 4-6 hours or the lights for a couple of hours before the battery dies, but it cannot power the vehicle itself.
The primary factor for an EV is its battery capacity, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Think of this as the size of your fuel tank. A larger battery generally means more range. However, efficiency, measured in miles per kWh (mi/kWh), determines how far you can go with that energy. A more efficient car will travel farther on the same amount of electricity.
Your driving habits have a massive impact. Consistent highway driving at 70+ mph consumes energy much faster than stop-and-go city driving, where regenerative braking can recapture energy. Regenerative braking is a system that converts the kinetic energy lost during deceleration back into stored energy in the battery. Furthermore, using the cabin heater in winter or the air conditioner in summer places a significant additional load on the battery, reducing range, sometimes by as much as 30-40% in extreme cold.
For quick reference, here are the EPA-estimated ranges for popular 2024 models:
| EV Model | Battery Size (kWh) | EPA Estimated Range (miles) |
|---|
| Tesla Model 3 RWD | 57.5 | 272 |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E Standard Range | 72 | 250 |
| Hyundai Ioniq 6 Long Range RWD | 77.4 | 361 |
| Chevrolet Bolt EV | 65 | 259 |
| Tesla Model S Long Range | 100 | 405 |
| Rivian R1T Dual-Motor (Large Pack) | 131 | 352 |
| Lucid Air Pure | 88 | 410 |
To maximize your EV's range, plan routes to minimize high-speed stretches, pre-condition the cabin while the car is still plugged in, and use seat warmers instead of the heater when possible. For gasoline cars, avoid using accessories without the engine running to prevent a dead battery.
