EV Range Calculator
Estimate the real-world driving range of an EV from its battery, efficiency and the weather.
Free calculator, no signup required. Runs in your browser — your entries stay on this device (saved in this browser until you clear them) and are not sent to us.
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.
Worked example (illustrative assumptions)
Assumptions: a 75 kWh battery at 100% charge, 3.5 mi/kWh and mild conditions. 75 × 1.00 × 3.5 = 262.5 miles. At 50% charge the same inputs give 131 miles. The efficiency and the conditions factors are example planning inputs, not measured values for any vehicle.
Inputs must be finite: battery above 0 kWh (up to 500), efficiency above 0 (up to 20 mi/kWh) and state of charge from 0 to 100%. Values outside those limits show a message instead of a result. For a vehicle’s efficiency, see DOE/EPA fueleconomy.gov, Electric Vehicles (read October 15, 2026).
Frequently asked
How accurate are the range estimates?
The result is only as good as the numbers you enter, and no accuracy range has been measured for this tool. Real-world range varies with temperature, speed, terrain, payload and battery age, and the conditions options are rough planning factors, not measured values. Use the result as a planning figure, not a hard limit, and 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?
Use the figure for your own vehicle. The 3.5 mi/kWh default is an example only. Your window sticker, the vehicle listing on fueleconomy.gov or the efficiency you actually see on the trip display are better starting points. Pick one basis and use it consistently.
How does this differ from EPA-rated range?
EPA range is a standardized test figure. This calculator instead multiplies the battery size you enter by your state of charge, your efficiency and a conditions factor, so it reflects your inputs rather than a standardized test. It does not predict what you will see on a particular road.
Why does highway speed cut range so much?
Aerodynamic drag rises with the square of speed, so higher speeds use more energy per mile. The Highway Speed Range Impact calculator gives a rough planning estimate for a chosen speed.
What is a good mi/kWh for an EV?
Higher is better, and it varies by vehicle size, speed and conditions. Compare your own figure with the efficiency listed for your model on fueleconomy.gov rather than a general rule of thumb.