Why does the range suddenly drop by one kilometer?
3 Answers
It is normal for a car's range to drop by one kilometer in a few seconds. The car's range is not very accurate, and the display showing a decrease of one kilometer is actually calculated based on recent fuel consumption, which does not necessarily mean the car has traveled exactly one kilometer. The following explains the range: 1. Fuel consumption: The range is calculated by the computer based on the current driving conditions and fuel consumption, indicating how many kilometers the remaining fuel in the tank can still drive. Therefore, as soon as the engine is running, fuel is consumed, and the corresponding range will decrease. The speed of this decrease depends on the driving conditions. 2. Constant changes: No vehicle's range is completely accurate because it is closely related to the average driving speed and instantaneous fuel consumption. It cannot be guaranteed that the vehicle will always drive at the current average speed, so the range is always constantly changing.
It might be due to the air conditioning being turned up high, or driving fast uphill, which increases power consumption and causes the system to recalculate the remaining range. I often encounter this situation when driving an electric vehicle, especially when the temperature changes or during sudden acceleration—high instantaneous energy consumption can cause the displayed range to drop by a kilometer. Additionally, insufficient tire pressure can increase resistance, and the software might occasionally give false readings. It's advisable to regularly check tire pressure, maintain smooth driving, and use cruise control to save energy, preventing frequent range drops from affecting travel plans. If the range consistently drops significantly, it's best to have the battery health checked at a service center.
The range display dropping by one kilometer at a time is mostly caused by unstable driving habits, such as sudden acceleration or braking, which leads to an instant increase in energy consumption, prompting the system to adjust the display. Out of curiosity, I once noticed it drops more noticeably when the air conditioning is on. Slightly deflated tires can also cause this, as increased resistance leads to higher energy consumption. The vehicle calculates the range based on average energy consumption, so minor fluctuations are normal—no need to worry too much. Regular tire maintenance and system updates can help reduce occurrences. Under safe driving conditions, it's mostly a temporary phenomenon—just ignore it.
