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How far can you really drive on a full battery?
That little icon has been glowing on your dashboard for a while now, and you’re thinking: “I’ll make it to the next petrol station.”
With an electric car, that thought can feel a bit more intense — how far can you actually go on a full battery?
The official figures (WLTP) look great, but real-life driving often tells a different story.
Time to demystify driving range and help you, as a (future) EV driver, feel confident behind the wheel.
Why your EV’s official range (WLTP) doesn’t always match reality
The WLTP range is the number you see everywhere — on EV websites, in brochures, even on your registration papers.
But what does it really mean?
WLTP stands for Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure — a standardised lab test performed under ideal conditions: perfect temperature, no traffic, no air conditioning, and no unexpected hills.
What determines your electric car’s true range?
Your true range depends on much more than battery capacity. The main factors include:
Driving style: quick acceleration, frequent braking, or lots of highway driving all consume extra energy.
Weather conditions: both cold and heat impact battery performance. In winter, range can drop by up to 30%.
Topography: climbing hills drains the battery faster.
Load: a car full of passengers, luggage or a roof box requires more energy.
Age: over time, battery capacity decreases slightly.
How to get the most out of your EV’s range
To maximise your car’s true range, try these practical tips:
Charge smart: keeping your battery between 20% and 80% improves battery health, shortens charging times, and extends lifespan. And even if you only charge to 80%, you’ll still get more than 80% of your total range.
Preheat your battery before charging: preconditioning ensures it’s at the optimal temperature for fast, efficient charging.
Adjust your driving style: tests show that driving 100 km/h instead of 120 km/h can increase range by up to 30% — and your tyres will last longer, too.
Watch your load: a roof box can increase energy use by up to 25%. Pack smart.
Use regenerative braking: especially in hilly areas, regenerative braking recovers energy and slightly recharges your battery on the go.
Keep your car updated: software updates often improve battery management, meaning your range can actually increase over time. And with solid-state batteries on the horizon, future EVs could reach 1,000 km of range and recharge 10–80% in just 10 minutes.
EV range isn’t a mystery
With the right knowledge and expectations, you can easily get the most out of your electric car.
The official WLTP figure is a good starting point, but your true range is your real guide for daily driving — and you’ll get to know it quickly.
After a few weeks, you’ll instinctively know how far you can go, just like you did with your petrol car.
Final tip driving an EV doesn’t have to be stressful. Plan your routes with the Q8 electric app it factors in your actual range, charging points, and weather conditions, so you can always hit the road with confidence.
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