First-time EV buyers often only have one question: How many miles can electric cars go before they have to be charged?
The answer, on average, isn’t a whole lot. The longer a vehicle can travel is generally dependent on the size and type of battery, which can have a serious impact on the environment.
Different electric cars have different ranges, and drivers have the option of choosing between a 200-mile range car, a 400-mile range electric car, or more, but you should know that the price of the EV increases along with the driving range.
But, by using a map and charts, you can see the range of your EV and also use a carbon counter to measure the real eco-impact of it’s battery and using fossil fuel-based electricity to charge it.
How Many Miles Can Electric Cars Go?
When determining the answer to the question, how many miles can electric cars go, it is important to assess an electric vehicle from all angles.
It is also essential to note, that while some of the best EVs available on the market today can reach a range of up to 300 miles, these electric cars are often also the most expensive options.
How Many Miles Can an Electric Car Go?
For now, the answer to how many miles can an electric car go is mainly given in economic terms, but the real number is about 150 miles.
The cars below are some of the most economical EVs on the market, and excellent options to consider when trying to establish how far can an electric car go.
(The charging cost is based on the overnight rate per kWh in the UK, which is much cheaper than the daily rate).1
| EV Make and Model | Cost to Charge | Economy | Range (claimed) |
| EV make and model: FIAT 500 Action | £1.79 | 4.8 miles per kWh | 118 miles per charge |
| EV make and model: Hyundai Ioniq Electric | £3.03 | 4.5 miles per kWh | 193 miles per charge |
| EV make and model: Tesla Model 3 (dual motor) | £5.63 | 4.4 miles per kWh | 360 miles per charge |
| EV make and model: VW ID.3 Pure Performance | £4.13 | 4.2 miles per kWh | 217 miles per charge |
| EV make and model: BMW i3 | £3.18 | 4.1 miles per kWh | 190 miles per charge |
| EV make and model: Kia e-Niro | £3.15 | 4.1 miles per kWh | 180 miles per charge |
| EV make and model: MINI Electric | £2.44 | 4.1 miles per kWh | 145 miles per charge |
| EV make and model: Skoda Enyaq iV 60 | £4.65 | 4.0 miles per kWh | 256 miles per charge |
| EV make and model: Citroen e-C4 | £3.75 | 4.0 miles per kWh | 219 miles per charge |
| EV make and model: Peugeot e-208 | £3.75 | 3.9 miles per kWh | 217 miles per charge |
How Many Miles Can Electric Car Go on One Charge?
From the above information, it is clear that electric car ranges vary according to the manufacturer. When looking to determine the best answer for, how many miles can electric car go on one charge, considering the manufacturer is often the best way to go.
(Image: Deva Darshan11)
How far do electric cars go on average?
- Shortest EV range: 84 miles
- Average EV range: 194 miles
- Longest EV range: 396 miles
The Tesla Model S Long Range Plus is one of the electric vehicles with the longest range, but there are other EV manufacturers that have the company beat when it comes to the longest range on a full charge.
Which Electric Car Has the Longest Range on a Full Charge?
When detailing which electric vehicle has the longest range, it is essential to note which electric car has the longest range on a full charge.
The below table indicates how many miles can an EV drive on a full charge (specific makes and models):
| EV Make and Model | Range |
| Lucid Air Dream Edition | 520 miles per charge |
| Tesla Model S | 405 miles per charge |
| Tesla Model 3 Long Range | 358 miles per charge |
| Mercedes EQS | 350 miles per charge |
| Tesla Model X | 348 miles per charge |
| Tesla Model Y Long Range | 330 miles per charge |
| GMC Hummer EV1 | 329 miles per charge |
| BMW iX xDrive 50 | 324 miles per charge |
| Ford F-150 Lightning | 320 miles per charge |
| Rivian R1S | 316 miles per charge |
| Rivian R1T | 314 miles per charge |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E | 312 miles per charge |
| Kia EV6 | 310 miles per charge2 |
While most EV ranges are manufacturer specific, it is also good to look at what other factors affect the driving range for EVs. These factors that play a part in what can affect an EV’s range include:
- How the EV Spends Energy
For every $2.20 worth of energy, $1.91 goes towards the car moving (this equals up to 91%)
In comparison, for every $2.20 worth of energy in a petrol car, 44c goes towards moving the car, which equals up to 20%.3
- Battery Capacity
The amount of electricity stored inside an EV battery and the energy density of said battery affects the range of an electric vehicle.
- Adverse weather
Bad weather, especially strong winds, has an effect on the range because the engine works harder to overcome resistance. For this reason, EVs with high ranges have low air resistance.
- Lack of Preparation
It is best to heat up an electric car while it is still charging. This is because driving a cold EV, will cost at least 20 km of range over just 5 kilometers.
Warming the car while charging, at a charging station or via solar panel, will allow the power to be generated from the charging station as opposed to the battery.
Much the same as with a gasoline-powered car, it is essential not to over-accelerate an EV, as this will have a negative effect on the range.
- Air Conditioning and Tire Pressure
Running the air conditioner affects an EV’s range, as do tires that have too low pressure, or are worn out.
- Weight on Board
The heavier the onboard cargo, the harder it is for an EV’s engine to compensate.
- Condition of the Road and General Topography
Driving several kilometers uphill and driving downhill (the same distance) is impactful in different ways. Uphill requires a lot more energy, draining the battery faster, while the opposite is true for downhill.3
Is An Electric Car Good for Long-Distance Travel?
The subject of topography brings up another commonly asked question: Is an electric car good for long-distance travel?
The answer is two-fold. While it is possible to travel long distances with an EV, they are generally the lesser option compared to plug-in hybrids or hybrid cars.
This is because an EV generally has a low range between charges while traveling long distances.
- Wind again plays a factor, because as the speed increases, wind resistance increases and the efficiency drops.
- During long trips, there are fewer opportunities to practice brake regeneration, which helps regain energy.
- Driving in cold conditions can deplete the range of an EV by up to 40%, because of warming cycles.4
Speaking of driving long-distance EV driving, several routes have been identified in the US as being best for EV vehicle traveling.
| Road Trip | States |
| Pacific Coast Highway | Washington, California, Oregon |
| Natchez Trace Parkway | Mississippi, Tennessee |
| Appalachian Trail | Maine, New York, Georgia, Virginia |
| Atlantic Coast | New York, Massachusetts, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida |
| Oregon Trail | Idaho, Oregon, South Dakota, Wyoming, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York5 |
The Pacific Coast Highway has been named the best overall road trip and for those wondering how far can an electric car travel on a single charge during a long trip, the state government of California has ensured that at least 5500 charging points have been installed along the route.
It also begs the question, should you drive an electric car to empty before charging again?
It is essential not to let an EV battery drain completely, even though a reserve is in place. Leaving the battery to drain completely can cause it to degrade at a faster pace.
The same is true for overcharging.
How Much Does It Cost To Charge an Electric Car at a Public Charging Station?
For long-distance road trips, several charges will be required, which can cost up to $30 per charge. This is based on charging with a level 3 charger.
However, there are several factors that influence the cost:
- Varied electricity costs
- Type of charger and type of battery
- Pricing at specific charging points
How Long Does It Take To Fully Charge an Electric Car?
In addition to these factors, it is also important to know the answer to the question, how long does it take to fully charge an electric car.
(Image: Rathaphon Nanthapreecha12)
It all depends on the type of charger:
- Level 1 charger: This is the slowest charger and can take up to 24 hours to fully charge an EV
- Level 2 charger: This type of charger can provide a charge of around 28 miles per hour, and is usually found around shopping malls and centers
- Level 3 charger: These are the fastest chargers, and can charge an EV battery in under an hour. They are also the costliest to use.6
Can You Travel Across the Country in an Electric Car?
So, if long-distance travel is possible, can you travel across the country in an electric car?
While it is certainly possible to travel across the country, proper preparations should be made.
For instance, determining which states allow for EV vehicles to occupy HOV lanes will ensure a faster and more energy-efficient journey, as will finding hotels that include charging stations.
One of the best ways to save energy, and money, during a cross-country trip is to stop at RV parks to charge. RV parks generally provide level 2 chargers and by booking an RV spot, charging and sleeping over are paid for.
It is also better to take long trips during summer, as EVs lose power faster during winter.7
The below table highlights the best cross-country routes to take in an EV.
| Cross-Country Route | Cities / Regions Included in Route (Including Charging Stations and Points) |
| Northern coast-to-coast route (West to East) | Burns, Oregon Boise, Idaho Twin Falls, Idaho Ogden, Utah Rock Springs, Wyoming Laramie, Wyoming Ogallala, Nebraska Aurora, Nebraska Council Bluffs, Iowa Williamsburg, Iowa Ottawa, Illinois Mishawaka, Indiana Fremont, Ohio Clarion, Pennsylvania Moosic, Pennsylvania Hartford, Connecticut Portland, Maine Fairfield, Maine |
| South coast-to-coast route (West to East) | San Diego, California Yuma, Arizona Tucson, Arizona Lordsburg, New Mexico El Paso, Texas Pecos, Texas Sweetwater, Texas Grand Prairie, Texas Bossier City, Louisiana Jackson, Mississippi Meridian, Mississippi Oxford, Alabama Macon, Georgia Savannah, Georgia8 |
Best EV road trip to take in New England:
- Portland, Maine
- North Conway, New Hampshire
- Burlington, Vermont
- Albany, New York
- Scranton, Pennsylvania
- Wilmington, Delaware
- Wildwoods, New Jersey
- Mystic, Connecticut
- Salem, Massachusetts
- Providence, Rhode Island
Best Great Lakes road trip to take in an EV:
- Duluth, Minnesota
- Eau Claire, Wisconsin
- Windsor, Wisconsin
- Porter, Indiana
- Lansing, Michigan
- Bay City, Michigan
- Sandusky, Ohio
- Erie, Pennsylvania
- Rochester, New York9
How Many Miles Can an Electric Car Go Before Charging?
Before going on any road trip, it is essential to determine how many miles can an electric car go before charging.
(Image: Brench Denil13)
In general, an EV can go up to 250 miles between charges. As mentioned above, it is not advised to let the battery run on reserve before recharging.
Before planning a road trip, consider the type of EV and its average range to determine which electric car has the shortest range or what is a good range for an electric car.
The below table contains a list of electric cars by range, including some of the longest-range EVs (new models), ranked from short to long:
| EV Make and Model | EV Range | EPA Fuel Economy (City and Highway Combined) |
| 32. Mazda MX-30 (2022) | 100 miles | EPA Fuel Economy: 98/98/85 MPGe |
| 31. MINI Cooper SE (2022) | 114 miles | EPA Fuel Economy: 110/119/100 MPGe |
| 30. Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo (2022) | 215 miles | EPA Fuel Economy: 76/77/76 MPGe |
| 29. Audi e-tron (2022) | 222 miles | EPA Fuel Economy: 78/77/78 MPGe |
| 28. Volvo XC40 Recharge (2022) | 223 miles | EPA Fuel Economy: 85/92/79 MPGe |
| 27. Volvo C40 Recharge (2022) | 226 miles | EPA Fuel Economy: 87/94/80 MPGe |
| 26. Nissan Leaf (2022) | 226 miles | EPA Fuel Economy: 108/118/97 MPGe |
| 25. Porsche Taycan (2022) | 227 miles | EPA Fuel Economy: 77/75/81 MPGe |
| 24. Jaguar I-Pace (2022) | 234 miles | EPA Fuel Economy: 76/80/72 MPGe |
| 23. Audi e-Tron GT (2022) | 238 miles | EPA Fuel Economy: 82/81/83 MPGe |
| 22. Kia Niro EV (2022) | 239 miles | EPA Fuel Economy: 112/123/102 MPGe |
| 21. Audi Q4 e-tron (2022) | 241 miles | EPA Fuel Economy: 95/100/89 MPGe |
| 20. Chevrolet Bolt EUV (2022) | 247 miles | EPA Fuel Economy: 115/125/104 MPGe |
| 19. Hyundai Kona Electric (2022) | 258 miles | EPA Fuel Economy: 120/132/108 MPGe |
| 18. Chevrolet Bolt EV (2022) | 259 miles | EPA Fuel Economy: 120/131/109 MPGe |
| 17. Polestar 2 (2022) | 270 miles | EPA Fuel Economy: 107/113/100 MPGe |
| 16. VW ID.4 (2022) | 275 miles | EPA Fuel Economy: 112/121/102 MPGe |
| 15. BMW i4 (2022) | 301 miles | EPA Fuel Economy: 109/109/108 MPGe |
| 14. Hyundai Ioniq 5 (2022) | 303 miles | EPA Fuel Economy: 114/132/98 MPGe |
| 13. Ford Mustang Mach-E (2022) | 305 miles | EPA Fuel Economy: 101/108/94 MPGe |
| 12. Kia EV6 (2022) | 310 miles | EPA Fuel Economy: 117/134/101 MPGe |
| 11. Rivian R1T (2022) | 314 miles | EPA Fuel Economy: 70/74/66 MPGe |
| 10. Rivian R1S (2022) | 316 miles | EPA Fuel Economy: 69/73/65 MPGe |
| 9. Ford F-150 Lightning (2022) | 320 miles | EPA Fuel Economy: 70/78/63 MPGe |
| 8. BMW iX (2022) | 324 miles | EPA Fuel Economy: 86/86/87 MPGe |
| 7. GMC Hummer EV (2022) | 329 miles | EPA Fuel Economy: 47/51/43 MPGe |
| 6. Tesla Model Y (2022) | 330 miles | EPA Fuel Economy: 122/127/117 MPGe |
| 5. Tesla Model X (2022) | 348 miles | EPA Fuel Economy: 102/107/97 MPGe |
| 4. Mercedes EQS (2022) | 350 miles | EPA Fuel Economy: 95/99/92 MPGe |
| 3. Tesla Model 3 (2022) | 358 miles | EPA Fuel Economy: 134/134/126 MPGe |
| 2. Tesla Model S (2022) | 405 miles | EPA Fuel Economy: 120/124/115 MPGe |
| 1. Lucid Air (2022) | 520 miles | EPA Fuel Economy: 125/126/125 MPGe10 |
Seeing as how Tesla constantly ranks on top when it comes to range, the question follows, how far can a Tesla electric car go?
- Tesla Model 3
| Tesla Model 3 Trim | Tesla Model 3 Range in Miles | Tesla Model 3 Battery Size |
| Trim: Rear-Wheel Drive | 272 miles | 50 kWh |
| Trim: Performance | 315 miles | 75 kWh |
| Trim: Long Range | 358 miles | 75 kWh |
- Tesla Model S
| Tesla Model S Trim | Tesla Model S Range in Miles | Tesla Model S Battery Size |
| Trim: Base | 405 miles | 100 kWh |
| Trim: Plaid | 396 miles | 100 kWh |
- Tesla Model X
| Tesla Model X Trim | Tesla Model X Range in Miles | Tesla Model X Battery Size |
| Trim: Base | 348 miles | 100 kWh |
| Trim: Plaid | 333 miles | 100 kWh |
- Tesla Model Y
| Tesla Model Y Trim | Tesla Model Y Range in Miles | Tesla Model Y Battery Size |
| Trim: Long Range | 330 miles | 75 kWh |
| Trim: Performance | 303 miles | 75 kWh11 |
Charging Tesla with solar panels will cost far less than driving a gasoline-powered vehicle. In addition to being efficient and economic, Tesla’s carbon footprint is lower, too.
How Many Miles Can Electric Cars Go?
After considering all the answers to how many miles can electric cars go, several other common questions remain:
How Fast Can an Electric Car Go?
The average speed of an electric car is 110 miles per hour, while top speeds are between 140 and 160 miles per hour.
What Is the Fastest Electric Car?
The fastest electric car is the Rimac Nevera supercar, which reached a speed of 412 km per hour.
Longest-Range Electric Car 2022
Currently, the Lucid Air is the longest-range EV with 520 miles.
Longest Range Electric Car 2023
Lucid Air will likely keep this distinction going into 2023.
Cheapest Long-Range Electric Car
Currently, the cheapest long-range electric car is the Nissan Leaf S plus with more than 200 miles.
What Happens to Electric Car Batteries?
When electric car batteries reach the end of their lifespan, they are recycled. In the US, EV manufacturers can use batteries two and three times after their warranty has expired.
Overview Of EV Range
The simple overview of the EV range is as follows:
- Shortest range: 135 kilometers (84 miles)
- Average range: 313 kilometers (194 miles)
- Longest range: 637 kilometers (396 miles)12
Average EV Range 2022
The average EV range 2022 is as follows:
| EV Model (2022) | EV Range |
| BMW iX | Up to 324 miles |
| BMW i4 | Up to 301 miles |
| Ford F-150 Lightning | Up to 320 miles |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E | Up to 314 miles |
| Hyundai IONIQ 5 | Up to 303 miles |
| Kia EV6 | Up to 310 miles |
| Lucid Air | Up to 520 miles |
| Mercedes-Benz EQS | Up to 350 miles |
| Rivian R1T | Up to 400+ miles |
| Rivian R1S | Up to 400+ miles |
| Tesla Model S | Up to 405 miles |
| Tesla Model X | Up to 348 miles13 |
| Tesla Model 3 | Up to 315 miles |
| Tesla Model Y | Up to 330 miles |
Do Electric Cars Lose Range Over Time?
So, do electric cars lose range over time, considering that range is ever-expanding as new EV models are released?
(Image: Sasan Hezarkhani14)
EV batteries are estimated to degrade at a rate of 2.3 percent of maximum capacity every year, which means that they could possibly last longer than traditional vehicle components.
Do EV Cars Last Longer?
Another question asked is, do EV cars last longer? It has been proven that most EVs last longer than gasoline-powered cars, and require less maintenance to boot.
What Is DTE?
What is DTE and how does it help keep EVs powered? DTE Energy is constantly working to assist in sustaining EVs while ensuring that the national grid can handle the extra strain.
The company is planning to invest 1 billion each year over a period of five years to increase charging capacity while ensuring a stable grid.
Read More About: Carbon Removal Offsets Explained: Capture Emissions and Erase Your Ecological Footprint (Complete Guide)
The plan is to increase the existing number of 1,000 charging stations (in Michigan) and expand the time between charges.14
The company’s goal is also to provide a sustainable and permanent answer to how many miles can electric cars go.
Frequently Asked Questions About How Many Miles Can Electric Cars Go
How Many Electric Cars in the World?
Currently, there are 16.5 million EVs in the world.
How Many Electric Cars in the US?
The US is home to 2,531,206 EVs, purchased between 2010 and 2022.
How Many Miles Can Electric Cars Go?
The average electric car has a range of 250 miles on one charge.
How Many Miles Do Electric Cars Last?
The average electric car battery can last up to 200,000 miles.
How Far Can You Go in an Electric Car in One Charge?
Some EV cars can travel up to 520 miles on one charge.
How Long Does It Take To Charge an Electric Car?
Depending on the type of charger and the size of the car battery, it could take as little as 30 minutes to fully charge an EV or longer than 24 hours.
How Long Does an Electric Car Battery Last per Charge?
While a battery with a 300-mile range will reach close to that mileage at the beginning of its lifespan, after 10 years it will only reach around 231 miles per charge.
How Do You Know What Range To Look for in an EV?
The most important factor to look for in an EV is the battery size and quality (kWh). The higher the kWh, the larger the ranger.
What Is Carbon Footprint of Electric Cars Vs Gasoline?
For those wondering about the carbon footprint of electric cars vs gasoline, in general, electric cars have a smaller carbon footprint compared to gasoline cars, but it must be noted that electric car batteries have a large footprint because of the fossil fuels involved in the manufacturing process.
What Are Zero Emissions Cars?
BEVs, Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles, and PHEVs are all considered zero-emission cars. However, they are not truly zero-emission vehicles, because even though no tailpipe emissions are produced, battery manufacturing has a large CO2 footprint.
What Are the Cars With Lowest CO2 Emissions?
The cars with the lowest CO2 emissions include:
- BMW i3
- Cadillac
- Ford Fusion Energi
- Hyundai Tucson PHEV
- Renault Zoe S Edition
- Toyota Prius
- Nissan Leaf
What Is Carbon Footprint Driving vs Flying?
The carbon footprint of driving vs flying is simply explained as follows: One long-distance flight equals 14 percent of a passenger car’s annual emissions.
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References
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6Lambert, F., Weintraub, S., & Lewis, M. (2022, August 24). Current EV registrations in the US: How does your state stack up and who grew the most YOY? Electrek. Retrieved December 9, 2022, from <https://electrek.co/2022/08/24/current-ev-registrations-in-the-us-how-does-your-state-stack-up/>
7YAA. (2022, September 22). The Average Price of an Electric Car (Updated Monthly). YAA. Retrieved December 9, 2022, from <https://joinyaa.com/guides/average-price-of-an-electric-car/>
8Pontes, J. (2022, October 25). Europe Electric Car Sales — 16% of New Cars Fully Electric, 24% Have a Plug. CleanTechnica. Retrieved December 9, 2022, from <https://cleantechnica.com/2022/10/25/europe-electric-car-sales-16-fully-electric-24-have-a-plug/>
9Kane, M. (2022, October 3). Global Plug-In Electric Car Sales Increased 60% In August 2022. InsideEVs. Retrieved December 9, 2022, from <https://insideevs.com/news/613800/global-plugin-car-sales-august2022/ >
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11Deva Darshan. Pexels. Retrieved from <https://www.pexels.com/photo/aerial-view-of-road-in-the-middle-of-trees-1173777/>
12Rathaphon Nanthapreecha. Pexels. Retrieved from <https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-car-charging-3846205/>
13Brecht Denil. Unsplash. Retrieved from <https://unsplash.com/photos/H54mZnQua8k>
14Sasan Hezarkhani. Unsplash. Retrieved from <https://unsplash.com/photos/s5oNGNlmSMM>