EV Range Calculator
Estimate the real-world driving range of an EV from its battery, efficiency and the weather.
Real-world range vs EPA range
EPA range figures are measured under controlled lab conditions. Real driving range is almost always different — usually a little lower in mixed driving, noticeably lower in cold weather, and sometimes higher on slow city routes with lots of regenerative braking.
What changes your efficiency
- Temperature: the biggest factor. Cold below freezing routinely cuts range 25–40%. Cabin heating draws steady power on top of that.
- Speed: aerodynamic drag rises with the square of speed. Highway at 75 mph uses a lot more energy than 55 mph.
- Terrain: hills hurt going up, help going down — regen recovers some of the climb.
- Climate control: heated seats and steering wheel use a fraction of cabin heat — use them first in winter.
Typical efficiency: small EVs and hybrids 4.0–5.0 mi/kWh, mid-size cars and SUVs 3.0–4.0, large trucks and high-performance EVs 2.0–2.8. Preconditioning the battery while still plugged in helps a lot in winter.
Frequently asked
How accurate are the range estimates?
Ballpark within 10–15% for typical mixed driving. Real-world range varies with temperature, speed, terrain, payload and battery age. Use the result as a planning figure, not a hard limit — always leave a buffer on long trips.
Why does cold weather have such a big impact?
Two reasons: lithium-ion chemistry temporarily lowers usable capacity in cold temperatures, and the cabin heater draws 3–5 kW continuously while you drive. Combined, deep-winter conditions can cut range 25–40%.
What efficiency should I use if I do not know mine?
3.5 mi/kWh is a solid all-round mid-size EV figure. Compact EVs typically achieve 4–4.5, SUVs 3–3.5, trucks and large performance EVs 2–2.8. The window-sticker EPA number is a good starting point.
How does this differ from EPA-rated range?
EPA range assumes 100% state of charge and mild lab conditions. This calculator lets you adjust the current state of charge and the weather — so it usually returns a lower number that matches what you will actually see on the road.
Why does highway speed cut range so much?
Aerodynamic drag rises with the square of speed. Driving at 75 mph uses roughly 35% more energy per mile than 55 mph. The Highway Speed Range Impact calculator gives exact numbers for any pair of speeds.
What is a good mi/kWh for an EV?
Over 4 mi/kWh is excellent (most efficient compact EVs); 3–3.5 is typical for mainstream sedans and SUVs; under 2.5 means a heavy, aero-inefficient vehicle or rough conditions.