Electric Car Range Truth: Claimed vs Real Range Explained, know what is the truth?

‘Range anxiety’ is a very popular term in the world of electric cars (EVs). That means the fear that the battery might run out on the way. When you go to the showroom, the salesman proudly says, “Sir, this car will run 400 kilometers on a single charge.” But when you bring it home and take it out on the road, the reality turns out to be different.

This ‘gap’ of 100-120 kilometers between the company’s claim and the reality on the road is the biggest confusion for EV buyers. It is important to understand the mathematics of this real-world range before buying a new electric car, so that you do not feel cheated later. Let us know what is the difference between the company claimed list and the range received later and what is the correct way to calculate it?

Company Claim Vs Truth

Whenever a car is launched in India, it is certified by ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India). Companies declare their ranges on the basis of this certificate. But the thing to note is that ARAI testing is done inside the lab, under ideal conditions and at a fixed speed. There is neither scorching sun, nor heavy traffic like Mumbai-Delhi, nor rough roads.

According to experts and current data, the actual range of any electric car on Indian roads is about 25% to 35% less than its official claim. For example, if the range of a car is stated to be 450 km, then it will actually run around 300 to 320 km. There could be these 5 main reasons behind reduced range –

1. Excessive use of air conditioning (AC): In a hot country like India, it is not possible to drive without AC. A large part of the battery is spent on keeping the cabin cool, which directly reduces the range by 10-15%.

2. Traffic and Stop-and-Go Driving: In cities, frequent braking and lifting of the vehicle again puts pressure on the battery. Although ‘regenerative braking’ recovers some energy, repeated exertion drains the battery quickly.

3. Driving Style: If you press the accelerator suddenly or drive at high-speed (100-120 km/h), the range will drop rapidly. The speed of 70-80 km/hr is considered the most economical for EV.

4. Weight of the vehicle: The more people and luggage there are in the vehicle, the more electricity the motor will have to consume to pull it.

5. External Temperature: Excessive heat affects the functionality of the battery. In temperatures above 40 degrees, the ‘thermal management system’ that keeps the battery cool starts consuming power itself.

How to Calculate Real-World Range?

Follow a simple ‘thumb rule’ when buying a new EV. Consider only 70% of the range stated by the company as your actual capacity. Do the correct calculation like this-

• Claimed Range: 300 km – Actual: 210 km (approx)
• Claimed Range: 400 km – Actual: 280 km (approx)
• Claimed Range: 500 km – Actual: 350 km (approx)

Smart tips to increase range

If you want your electric car to last longer, then keep these things in mind-

• Correct use of regenerative braking: Keep it in ‘High’ mode so that whenever you take your foot off the accelerator, the battery is charged.
• Smooth Driving: Avoid increasing speed suddenly. Use of ‘Eco Mode’ proves to be a boon in city traffic.
• Tire Pressure: Due to less air in the tyres, resistance increases, which consumes more battery. Always maintain correct pressure.
• Pre-Conditioning: Before going out in the sun, turn on the AC through the app only when the vehicle is on the charger. This will reduce the burden on the battery to cool the cabin while running.

Our advice: Buying an electric car is a wise decision, but do not get misled by the paper range. Choose a car with the right range keeping in mind your daily commuting and nearby charging stations. Remember, the range you get on the road will depend on your driving and environment, not on the company’s brochure.