With electric cars growing more popular, it’s becoming increasingly important to get to know more about the details of how they work. A factor that continues to come up when discussing these vehicles is range and how far electric cars can go.
Whether you’re thinking about purchasing your first electric car, or you’re looking to upgrade your current vehicle, EV range is something you should consider carefully. The type of electric car you choose, the size of the battery, and other external conditions can all impact EV range.
Below, we’ll explore the average range of an electric car and factors that impact this, as well as jargon-busting the key terms you should know.
A guide to electric car range
01
What is electric car range?
02
Range anxiety
03
Average range of an electric car in the UK
04
WTLP range meaning: What is WLTP?
05
What factors impact electric car range?
01
What is electric car range?
Electric vehicle range refers to the distance an electric vehicle can travel on a single charge before needing to be recharged. This metric has a direct impact on both the practicality and the usability of EVs day-to-day.
The range of an EV can differ depending on a few factors, including the capacity and efficiency of the battery in various models, driving conditions, and driving habits — which we’ll take a closer look at below.
As electric vehicles have advanced over the years, electric car range has grown significantly. And as electric car manufacturers like BYD continue to innovate, the average range of an electric car is expected to expand even further in the coming months and years, allowing consumers to travel further, and more efficiently.
The range of an EV can differ depending on a few factors, including the capacity and efficiency of the battery in various models, driving conditions, and driving habits — which we’ll take a closer look at below.
As electric vehicles have advanced over the years, electric car range has grown significantly. And as electric car manufacturers like BYD continue to innovate, the average range of an electric car is expected to expand even further in the coming months and years, allowing consumers to travel further, and more efficiently.
02
Range anxiety
Range anxiety is a term frequently used by EV owners. It’s used to describe the fear that your electric vehicle will run out of charge before you reach your destination or a suitable charger.
For example, if you’re planning a trip that means driving further than you have in the past, you might be worried that your electric vehicle won’t make it to the destination without needing to be charged on the way.
Range anxiety can occur for several reasons, including worrying about the lack of charging infrastructure in public places, concerns about trying to locate the nearest charging station to you, and the uncertainty surrounding the range achievable in various driving conditions.
Whilst range anxiety is understandable, it can have an impact on those deciding to make the switch to an electric car. Thankfully, advancements in battery technology, increased charging infrastructure and improved awareness have helped to alleviate the issue of range anxiety, making electric vehicles more appealing to a broader audience.
For example, if you’re planning a trip that means driving further than you have in the past, you might be worried that your electric vehicle won’t make it to the destination without needing to be charged on the way.
Range anxiety can occur for several reasons, including worrying about the lack of charging infrastructure in public places, concerns about trying to locate the nearest charging station to you, and the uncertainty surrounding the range achievable in various driving conditions.
Whilst range anxiety is understandable, it can have an impact on those deciding to make the switch to an electric car. Thankfully, advancements in battery technology, increased charging infrastructure and improved awareness have helped to alleviate the issue of range anxiety, making electric vehicles more appealing to a broader audience.
03
Average range of an electric car in the UK
The average range of an electric car in the UK is around 220 miles (354km) — meaning you could travel from Manchester to London without having to worry about your car running out of charge. The range your EV can cover in one charge depends on the model you choose, as they can differ. In comparison, an average petrol car can travel around 400 miles (645km) with a full tank of petrol, without stopping to top up. The difference is filling up a tank of fuel will likely cost you considerably more than a single charge.
When it comes to BYD electric vehicles, the range you can expect per model include:
When it comes to BYD electric vehicles, the range you can expect per model include:
BYD ATTO 3
260 miles (418km) on a single charge, the distance from Edinburgh to Sheffield
Like all BYD models, the ATTO 3 comes with two driving modes: Combined and City. Combined is typically the range you’d drive when travelling on a motorway or mostly over 60mph on your journey. City range is used when mostly driving below 60mph. Combined driving involves using both the Blade Battery and internal motor. In this mode, your ATTO 3 is capable of covering 260 miles (418km) without needing to recharge. That’s the equivalent of driving from Edinburgh to Sheffield.
In terms of City range, the ATTO 3 can cover 351 miles (565km), which is approximately the equivalent of driving from Edinburgh to London. But you have to bear in mind that this would be the case when travelling under the speed limit for the whole journey.
Like all BYD models, the ATTO 3 comes with two driving modes: Combined and City. Combined is typically the range you’d drive when travelling on a motorway or mostly over 60mph on your journey. City range is used when mostly driving below 60mph. Combined driving involves using both the Blade Battery and internal motor. In this mode, your ATTO 3 is capable of covering 260 miles (418km) without needing to recharge. That’s the equivalent of driving from Edinburgh to Sheffield.
In terms of City range, the ATTO 3 can cover 351 miles (565km), which is approximately the equivalent of driving from Edinburgh to London. But you have to bear in mind that this would be the case when travelling under the speed limit for the whole journey.
BYD SEAL
219 miles (352km) on a single charge, the distance from London to Brussels
The BYD Seal Design has a combined range of 219 miles (352km) on a single charge — which equates to a trip from London to Brussels. When driving in the city, the car boasts a range of 308 miles (495km). However, this differs depending on the model you choose. The Seal Excellence AWD has a combined range of 323 miles (519km) and 372 miles (599km) whilst driving in the city.
The BYD Seal Design has a combined range of 219 miles (352km) on a single charge — which equates to a trip from London to Brussels. When driving in the city, the car boasts a range of 308 miles (495km). However, this differs depending on the model you choose. The Seal Excellence AWD has a combined range of 323 miles (519km) and 372 miles (599km) whilst driving in the city.
BYD DOLPHIN (Active)
195 miles (314km) on a single charge the distance from Plymouth to London
The BYD Dolphin Active model boasts a combined range of 195 miles (314km) which is the equivalent of driving from Plymouth to London. If you’re driving in the city, you can benefit from covering 308 miles (495km) before having to recharge your EV.
The BYD Dolphin Active model boasts a combined range of 195 miles (314km) which is the equivalent of driving from Plymouth to London. If you’re driving in the city, you can benefit from covering 308 miles (495km) before having to recharge your EV.
04
WLTP range meaning: What is WLTP?
Another useful term to know whether you’re new to electric vehicles or you’re looking for your next EV is WLTP.
WLTP stands for Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure. This is the most recent testing process used to measure fuel economy, electric driving range, and emissions.
In electric vehicles, WLTP tests the energy consumption, efficiency, and range of electric cars under realistic driving conditions. This test was introduced to help consumers gain accurate and comparable information about the performance of EVs.
WLTP testing involves assessing an EV’s range on a single charge, as well as energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Whilst the test is taking place, various factors are considered such as driving speed, acceleration and decelerations. WLTP offers current and prospective drivers a realistic portrayal of an electric vehicle’s capabilities in everyday driving scenarios.
WLTP stands for Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure. This is the most recent testing process used to measure fuel economy, electric driving range, and emissions.
In electric vehicles, WLTP tests the energy consumption, efficiency, and range of electric cars under realistic driving conditions. This test was introduced to help consumers gain accurate and comparable information about the performance of EVs.
WLTP testing involves assessing an EV’s range on a single charge, as well as energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Whilst the test is taking place, various factors are considered such as driving speed, acceleration and decelerations. WLTP offers current and prospective drivers a realistic portrayal of an electric vehicle’s capabilities in everyday driving scenarios.
05
What factors impact electric car range?
Just like fuel-powered vehicles, the efficiency and performance of an EV can be affected by a range of factors. A few of them include:
Battery capacity
One of the most fundamental factors affecting electric car range is battery capacity. Your electric car’s battery is typically measured as kilowatt hours (kWh), the higher this measurement is, the further the distance your car will usually be able to travel. In basic terms, a larger battery means more energy storage and therefore a longer range.
Driving conditions
Your surroundings can also have an impact on how far your electric car can go. Factors such as terrain, weather, and road conditions can have a significant impact on an electric car range. For example, if you’re driving uphill, on uneven or rough terrain, or in extreme weather, you might find your electric car does not travel as far as it would normally.
Driving style
If you want to get the most from your electric car range, consider your driving style. Aggressive driving styles and high-speed driving can lead to increased energy consumption when driving. This means range is reduced and you’ll need to charge more often when on the go.
Temperature
Extreme temperatures can also have an impact on electric car range. Cold temperatures can reduce range as the battery will require more energy to heat, whilst hot weather can also affect the efficiency of the battery.
Efficiency of the motor and electronics
The way an EV stores energy can have an impact on the range of your electric vehicle. Efficient supporting electronics mean energy stored in the battery will be converted more efficiently into driving power.
Regenerative braking
Some electric vehicles are equipped with regenerative braking systems. This means these systems recapture energy during braking and deceleration. Efficient use of the system can enhance the overall range of an electric car.
BYD has developed technologies to enhance electric vehicle range, including a high-efficiency heat pump as standard. This heat pump enhances thermal efficiency and reduces energy loss whether heating or cooling. As a result, low-temperature driving range is then increased.
Additionally, BYD has been a pioneering name in the battery industry for more than 30 years. The Blade Battery has passed a series of extreme tests in rigorous conditions making it one of the world's safest batteries enhancing performance and efficiency.
Whilst EV range differs depending on the vehicle you choose, there is an option to suit all lifestyles. To find out more about BYD electric vehicles and the range capabilities of each model, explore our new electric cars to learn more about them.