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The range of electric vehicles is often advertised based on standardized tests, such as those conducted by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These tests use a dynamometer to simulate urban, highway, and steady-state driving conditions.
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The Lucid Air Grand Touring recently broke a Guinness World Record by traveling 749 miles on a single charge, surpassing its manufacturer-claimed range of 600 miles based on the WLTP standard. |
However, real-world results may vary: some vehicles fall short of their advertised ranges, while others exceed expectations. It’s important to note that long-distance trips, especially those involving high-speed highway driving, can significantly impact the range of electric vehicles due to increased air resistance and limited opportunities for regenerative braking.
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Car and Driver magazine conducted a range test at the Chelsea Proving Grounds of Stellantis, covering a total distance of 4,660 miles, to determine the optimal speeds for maximizing the range of electric vehicles based on manufacturer claims. |
To understand the real-world impact, Car and Driver performed a test on a 4.7-mile oval track at Stellantis’ Chelsea Proving Grounds. They drove two electric vehicles (the Lucid Air Pure and the Kia EV9) and a gasoline-powered car (the Subaru Forester) at four different speed levels: 35, 55, 75, and 95 mph. They then used each vehicle’s onboard computer to calculate the maximum range at each speed.
According to the EPA, the maximum range of a vehicle is determined in a laboratory setting, and the most widely advertised range is the combined range, rather than solely highway driving. Car and Driver used the EPA’s highway range figures for the Lucid Air Pure (410 miles) and the Kia EV9 (253 miles) and calculated the average speed required to achieve these ranges. The results showed that the Lucid Air Pure needed to maintain an average speed of just 49 mph to reach its claimed range, while the Kia EV9 had to stay at 71 mph.
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Similar to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles, the range of electric vehicles on a single charge is limited when driven at high speeds, especially on highways. Therefore, it is crucial for electric vehicle owners to consider charging options when planning long-distance trips, especially those involving highway driving. |
On the other hand, the Subaru Forester, a gasoline-powered SUV, experienced a more noticeable reduction in range as speed increased. At 75 mph, its range dropped by about 200 miles compared to its maximum range at 55 mph, leaving it with approximately 500 miles. However, due to its higher maximum range when fully fueled, this reduction is generally acceptable.
In reality, numerous factors influence the range of electric vehicles and the fuel economy of gasoline-powered cars. Therefore, it is essential for drivers to consider charging options when embarking on long-distance journeys, especially those involving highway driving.
Recommended Reads for Your Next Road Trip
Our Automotive section offers a diverse range of book recommendations to keep you entertained during your travels. Whether you’re waiting for a charge or taking a break from the road, these books are the perfect companions for any journey.
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