What affects the range of an electric car?
When driving a battery electric vehicle, there are a number of different factors which will impact your range. Read on to discover the most common influences, and tips on how to maximise your range.
Electric vehicle range
The range of an electric vehicle is determined by the type and the size of the battery. As with any vehicle, however it is powered, range also depends on a number of factors such as weather and driving style.
How far can I drive in an electric vehicle?
The maximum range of our electric vehicles is impressive. Our All-Electric bZ4X has a range of up to 318 miles*.
Electric vehicles are perfectly suited for short trips, which are common in the UK, with the average car journey being around 11 miles^. You can rely on your electric car for long journeys too, plan ahead, and take advantage of public chargers along your route, and at your destination.
Calculate your range
Our range of Toyota electric vehicles give you the freedom to go wherever the road takes you. Use our handy bZ4X range calculator to find out how an electric car can fit in with your lifestyle.
Calculate Range
Outside temperature
Although you can’t control the weather, it is important to know that temperature is one of the biggest factors which will impact your range.
In colder weather, your range will be lower, and your car will need charging more often.
Cabin temperature
Use the MyToyota app to turn on your car’s heating on cold winter mornings or air conditioning on hot summer days, while it’s still plugged in and charging. This way the car’s climate is powered using energy from the mains rather than from the battery.
When you start your journey, all your car has to do is maintain that set temperature, which uses much less energy.
How you drive
Just like any other car, your driving style impacts the range of your car.
Drive smoothly at a moderate speed, and where possible avoid fast acceleration and hard braking, and benefit from maximum range efficiency.
Charging habits
To maximise battery life, charge your electric vehicle regularly, not only when the battery is nearly empty.
Doing this makes the most of your time and increases battery efficiency in the long term.
Travel light
Whilst our electric vehicles offer ample space to carry suitcases for a weekend away, or sports gear for leisure activities, avoid travelling with extra weight in your car unnecessarily.
The heavier the car, the lower the range, so consider taking anything out of your car that you do not need for the particular journey.
*318 mile range for the Pure FWD grade only. Electric range figures are provided for comparability purposes, and can vary depending on factors such as selected grade and transmission, accessories fitted (post registration), driving style, weather conditions, speed or vehicle load. It is best to only compare electric range figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect your real life driving results.
^According to DfT statistics. (Source: 2019 National Travel Survey (publishing.service.gov.uk)