What does driving range mean?
2 Answers
Driving range refers to the maximum distance a vehicle can travel on a full tank of fuel at an economical speed. It mainly involves three parameters: 1. Maximum driving range. The maximum driving range is tested under relatively uniform driving conditions, where the vehicle maintains a low and steady speed, resulting in lower energy consumption and a higher data value. 2. Combined driving range. The combined driving range uses the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) test standard. This standard includes four urban cycles and one suburban cycle, with lower speeds in urban cycles and higher speeds in suburban cycles. 3. Actual driving range. In real-world driving conditions, road conditions are more complex. Factors such as temperature and individual driving habits can cause the actual driving range to be lower than the maximum and combined driving ranges.
As an everyday driver, I believe the range simply refers to how many kilometers a car can travel at most on a full tank of fuel or a full charge. It's that crucial number on the dashboard telling you how far you can go before needing to refuel or recharge. Driving an electric car myself, I feel this most deeply—for example, the official rating might be 500 km, but actual driving with AC on, high-speed runs, or heavy loads can reduce it to just 400 km. In cold weather, the battery drains even faster; I've experienced the embarrassment of my range halving during snowy winters. To optimize it, you need to develop smooth driving habits—avoid sudden braking and acceleration, and regularly check tire pressure to reduce resistance. My advice to new drivers: don’t just rely on advertised numbers, check real user reviews, and prioritize longer-range models to avoid the hassle of breaking down on the road.