What is the actual range of a 400 km range car in winter?
2 Answers
With a standard range of 400 kilometers, if the air conditioning is turned on, the actual range is at most 270 kilometers. Range: Range can also be referred to as endurance capability, which refers to the total distance that vehicles such as cars or ships can travel continuously with maximum fuel reserves. For electric vehicles, the range refers to the distance traveled from a fully charged state of the power battery to the end of the test specified by the standard, and it is an important economic indicator for electric vehicles. New energy vehicle range: Refers to the distance traveled at a constant speed under ideal road conditions, wind speed, temperature, etc., on a single full charge. Hybrid vehicles and lead-acid battery (low-speed vehicles) have relatively shorter ranges.
I've been driving an electric vehicle for several years, and reduced range in winter is a common experience. A model with a claimed range of 400 kilometers can realistically only manage about 300 kilometers in sub-zero temperatures. The main reason is that low temperatures degrade battery performance, not only reducing power output but also making the heating system a major power drain, consuming up to 30% of the battery. I'm accustomed to using a smart app to preheat the vehicle remotely, activating the heating system about ten minutes before departure, which significantly improves battery temperature efficiency. For daily driving, avoiding high-speed cruising and maintaining a speed of 60 kilometers per hour is the most energy-efficient. Switching to winter tires also requires attention to tire pressure—too low, and resistance increases substantially. Seat heating is more energy-efficient than the air conditioning, so I often set it to automatic mode to maintain a comfortable temperature. A 20-30% reduction in actual range is quite common, so I recommend planning trips with an extra 50 kilometers as a buffer and choosing charging points at multiple locations as backups. Developing this habit ensures peace of mind.
