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All you need to know about range and the factors that determine it.

Range

What electric model variants are currently available?

BEV – battery electric vehicles

All-electric vehicles are powered exclusively by electricity and have no internal combustion engine, fuel tank or exhaust.

HEV – hybrid electric vehicles

Hybrid electric vehicles have two drive systems – a petrol engine and an electric motor. The compact high-performance battery is charged by regenerative braking and the combustion engine.

PHEV – plug-in hybrid electric vehicles

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles likewise have two drive systems but also a larger battery, which is charged by plugging into an external power source. This strategy enables longer ranges with electric drive.

Man in a suit in front of a parked vehicle.

Enough range for all requirements

Currently available electric vehicles have a range of between 300 and 600 kilometres, which is enough for most, as a driver covers around 38 kilometres per day on average. The continuing expansion of the charging network means that electric vehicles can also deliver impressive performance on longer journeys. Our e-mobility experts will closely analyse your requirements to determine whether an electric vehicle would be a good fit for you. Get started on sustainability and profitability right away – with Alphabet.

Factors that influence range

Firstly, all cars have to contend with cold weather, whether they run on petrol or electricity. It’s the increased energy demand that drains the battery, not the cold itself. Everything that requires more energy than normal has an impact on the range. But that shouldn’t stop you from choosing an electric vehicle.

Besides cold weather, the vehicle settings can also reduce battery performance. Examples of this include constant use of the heating (on the windscreen, steering wheel or seats), ventilation and air conditioning. You can save battery capacity if you refrain from using these systems; however, consumption is sure to be much higher when the ventilation or air conditioning is switched on. 

Your driving style can also have a big impact on the battery’s range. Examples of this include driving at a relatively high average speed or on long stretches of motorway where there is no speed limit, carrying a lot of additional weight, such as a trailer, or frequent braking and acceleration.

Woman holds a charging cable and smartphone next to a blue electric car at a charging station.

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