How far can you drive an electric car?

How far can you drive an electric car?

A concern that some people have when considering whether to buy an electric car, is how far an electric vehicle (EV) can drive on a single charge.

Since we’ve already explored the cost of charging an electric car, we thought we’d take a look at how far you can drive an electric car once it’s charged.

What is “range anxiety”?

When EVs were first introduced, the phrase “range anxiety” described the concern that some people had about an EV not completing longer journeys.

We’re here to say goodbye to “range anxiety” and, hopefully, put your mind at rest when it comes to the how far an electric car can take you.

Is an electric car’s battery likely to go flat?

In the early days of electric cars being sold, “range anxiety” was a genuine concern. This was because some EVs had a low range on a full charge and there were fewer charging points across the UK.

Today, that’s not the case. There were more than 20,000 charging points in the UK in 2019, with the number continuing to grow. Apps like Zap Map and WattsUp can show where your nearest charging points are.

Also, modern electric cars can now offer more than 200 miles of charge, making “range anxiety” a thing of the past.

An EV will give plenty of warning before its battery will go completely flat. You’re also a lot more likely to be close to a charging point, which means it’s highly unlikely that you’ll end up stranded on the motorway with a flat battery.

What is the range of an electric car?

How far an electric car can drive on a single charge is a common question.

It will depend on lots of factors, including:

  • the size of the battery
  • the age of the car
  • the speed you drive

The average distance an electric car can go on a single charge is 193 miles. However, there are EVs that can go up to 300 or 400 miles on a single charge.

There are a few ways that you can maximise the range of an electric car.

You can increase battery life by:

  • removing external elements, like a roof rack, because they can lower resistance
  • slowing down because consistent high speeds can use more power
  • reducing weight because extra weight will use more power
  • not using the heating, air conditioning or other features that use battery power

Average UK car use in miles

Government statistics and RAC black box data reveal that the average UK journey is around 10 miles.

In 2019, the average petrol car covered 7,800 miles a year or just 21.4 miles a day.

When you take this into account, an electric car, based on average use, would only need to be charged once every six or seven days.

Charger Point

How many miles can an electric car go?

We can’t comment on all EVs, but we can certainly tell you how far our own range of electric cars can go.

Firstly, it’s worth explaining how the range of an EV is measured.

You may see WLTP written after the range of an electric vehicle. This stands for Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure. It’s an industry standard test for comparing fuel efficiency. As we said previously, other factors can affect fuel efficiency, including driving style and the age of the car. However, WLTP is the measure that’s used across all EVs and it’s a good indication of range.

Here’s the range using WLTP for the EVs that we offer at Nathaniel Cars.

What’s the range of a Fiat 500E?

The Fiat 500e range of electric cars offers a driving range of between 115 miles (WLTP) and 199 miles (WLTP).

What’s the range of an MG 5?

With a choice of two battery sizes, the MG5 offers a range of:

  • 124 miles (WLTP) with a 52.5kWh battery
  • 270 miles (WLTP) with a 61kWh battery

What’s the range of an MG 5 long range?

With a choice of two battery sizes, the MG5 long range offers an extended range of:

  • 250 miles (WLTP) with a 52.5kWh battery
  • 334 miles (WLTP) with a 61kWh battery

What’s the range of an MG ZS EV?

Powered by a 44.5kWh battery, the MG ZS EV has a driving range of 163 miles (WLTP) from a single charge. That’s more than enough for 98% of typical daily commutes.

What’s the range of a Jeep Renegade 4XE (plug-in hybrid)?

The Jeep Renegade 4XE plug-in hybrid has an all-electric range of 26 miles (WLTP) from a single charge. Hybrid mode provides a combined WLTP and miles-per-gallon (mpg) of 123-134mpg.

What’s the range of a MG HS PHEV (plug-in hybrid)?

The MG HS plug-in hybrid has an all-electric range of 32 miles from a single charge on the WLTP combined cycle and 43 miles in city conditions. Hybrid mode provides a combined WLTP and miles-per-gallon (mpg) of 155.8 mpg.

Say goodbye to “range anxiety” in a new MG electric car

It’s worth remembering that when you bought your last petrol or diesel car, how far you could drive before it needed refuelling probably wasn’t something you even considered.

As battery technology improves, the same will happen when purchasing an electric car.

For now, “range anxiety” is certainly less of a concern than it used to be. At Nathaniel Cars, we want to say goodbye to “range anxiety” for good with MG Flexi Car.

MG Flexi Car is available to all retail, fleet and Motability customers who purchase a 100% electric MG.

With MG Flexi Car you receive free use of a fully insured MG HS hybrid for 14 days per year.

It’s designed to give you peace of mind and reduce range anxiety.

If you have any questions about our electric cars, the plug-in car experts at Nathaniel Cars are here to help. Just fill in the “Ask our EV Experts” form.

Or pop into Nathaniel Cars’ Cardiff or Bridgend showroom and check out our range of electric vehicles for yourself.

Ask Our EV Experts

Please fill in the form below to send us your message and we will contact you back shortly

DISCOVER YOUR POTENTIAL REDUCTION IN FUEL COST WITH THE COMPARISON CALCULATOR

Select a Model
Your journey
Weekday
Miles per day
150
Please specify your regular journey type
Urban Mixed
weekend
Miles per day
150
Please specify your regular journey type
Urban Mixed
Your vehicle cost
Fuel cost
1.30
Weekly average consumption
40
Electricity cost
0.12
Your potential saving
Estimated reduction in fuel cost over 4 years*
17,540
By Year:
£8,509
Total Miles Per Year: 52,500
Expected recharges by week
5

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