How long does an ev battery last?

We go into more detail about the range of EVs in Australia below.

Overview

• Factors that affect the range of an electric vehicle
• How is the driving range estimated for your vehicle?
• How far can the most popular EVs In Australia go on a single charge?

Factors That Affect the Range of an Electric Vehicle

The range of an EV depends on several factors, including the size of the battery, the vehicle's weight, and the driving conditions. Most EVs currently on the market have a range of between 160 and 480 kilometres on a single charge, but this can vary greatly depending on the specific vehicle and driving conditions.

The battery size is one of the most important factors when it comes to the range of an EV. A larger battery will allow the vehicle to travel further on a single charge, but it will also increase the weight of the vehicle, which will reduce its efficiency. The battery size is also related to the charging time, as a larger battery will take longer to recharge.

Another factor that affects the range of an EV is the weight of the vehicle. Heavier vehicles require more energy to move and therefore will have a shorter range than lighter vehicles. This is why many manufacturers are working on developing lighter materials to reduce the weight of EVs and improve their range.

Finally, driving conditions can have a big impact on the range of an EV. For example, driving at higher speeds or in hilly terrain will reduce the range of the vehicle, as it requires more energy to maintain speed or climb hills. Cold weather can also reduce the range of an EV, as the battery may not perform as well in colder temperatures.

Figure 1: Polestar All-Electric EV Arrives in Australia. Source: newspress Australia

How is the Driving Range Estimated for Your Vehicle?

The range of your vehicle is determined by a number of factors such as temperature, and auxiliary systems used, but can be estimated using the following equation:

Battery Capacity

The size of an EV battery determines the amount of electric energy stored in it - this limits the expected driving range for EVs. The average capacity of an EV battery is 40-60 kWh, but more recent options go up to 100 kWh.

EV Efficiency

EV efficiency is calculated using tests like the SAE J1634, which tests the performance of Battery EVs (BEVs) in different driving and environmental conditions to determine the approximate efficiency in kWh. The average efficiency for EVs ranges from 0.166-0.175 kWh/km.
 

Table 1: Average EV Driving Efficiency

How Far Can The Most Popular EVs In Australia Go On a Single Charge?

Australia is constantly including new and more innovative EVs in the market, promoting the EV uptake. The following list includes the 10 most popular EVs (BEVs and Plug-In Hybrids) in the country and their EV driving range: 

• Tesla Model 3 – 491 km
• Tesla Model Y – 455 km
• MG HS – 52 km
• Hyundai Kona – 305 km
• Polestar 2 – 470 km
• Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross – 56 km
• Volvo XC40 Electric – 450
• Hyundai Ioniq – 311 km
• Mercedes-Benz EQA – 480 km
• Hyundai Ioniq 5 – 430 km

It's important to note that the range of an EV is not constant and can vary greatly depending on how the vehicle is driven and the conditions it is driven in. For example, if you’re on a roadtrip with four passengers, it’s a hot day, you’re running the A/C and you’re travelling on a freeway, the range will reduce dramatically. This is why it's important to monitor the range of your EV and plan your trips accordingly. 

The range of an EV is dependent on several factors, including the size of the battery, the weight of the vehicle, and the driving conditions. When considering purchasing an EV, it's important to take into account these factors and choose a vehicle that meets your specific driving needs.

Want to learn more about charging your EV?

Further Reading

• What Does It Cost to Charge an EV?
• 3 Ways to Charge Your EV