How Much Does the Range Decrease After Removing the Speed Limit on an Electric Vehicle?
2 Answers
Different vehicles will experience varying degrees of range reduction after removing the speed limit, and it is generally not recommended to do so. Although electric vehicles can achieve higher speeds after removing the speed limit, the required current also increases, which can easily lead to the formation of lead sulfate crystals inside the battery. This results in a gradual decline in capacity and a shortened battery lifespan. Since battery capacity is generally fixed, higher speeds will inevitably reduce the driving range. Reasons for Setting Speed Limits: The speed limit on electric vehicles is set by manufacturers based on safety considerations, and it is not advisable for riders to remove it. Moreover, from the perspective of the overall performance of electric vehicles, increasing the speed is not recommended. Due to cost constraints, the comprehensive performance of electric vehicles is designed only for low-speed commuting. Higher speeds cannot meet safety requirements in terms of frame stability, braking performance, handling, and the rider's operational skills. Hazards of Removing the Speed Limit: It damages the overall lifespan of the electric vehicle; after removing the speed limit, without upgrading the braking system, tires, etc., the risk factor increases significantly; electric vehicles are not designed for high-speed operation, and removing the speed limit poses a risk of disintegration when severely exceeding the speed limit.
I've been driving an electric sedan for a while, and the range drop after removing the speed limit is really significant. For example, my car could originally run about 400 kilometers at 80 km/h, but after removing the speed limit and driving at 120 km/h, the range directly drops to less than 300 kilometers. Why is that? At high speeds, air resistance increases exponentially, and the battery drains ridiculously fast. The electric motor is also inefficient at high RPMs. The drop is usually 10-20%, but if the speed increases too much, say from 100 to 150 km/h, it might drop by more than 30%. I suggest not removing the speed limit casually—only use it occasionally on highways. Driving slower is safer and saves power. Regular maintenance and lower tire pressure can slightly mitigate the impact, but the cost is still too high.
