EV Range Loss Calculator Australia

EV range loss

Battery size

kWh

EV efficiency

kWh/100km

Range loss

Scenario

⚡ Highway driving

Reduced range 500 km from 625 km base range

Range lost 125 km lost 20% reduction

Scenario comparison

Typical range loss by scenario

The table below shows how much range is typically lost under different driving conditions and climate scenarios. These are approximate values — actual range loss depends on the vehicle, driving style, terrain and temperature.

Based on default values. When a vehicle is selected, base range adjusts to that vehicle's battery and efficiency. Percentage losses are approximate and vary by vehicle model, temperature, terrain and driving style.

How this calculator works

This calculator estimates how much range an EV loses under different conditions. It starts by calculating the base range from battery size and efficiency, then applies a percentage reduction based on the selected scenario. Each scenario card shows the reduced range so you can compare the impact of different conditions at a glance.

Formulas

Base range (km) = Battery size (kWh) ÷ EV efficiency (kWh per 100 km) × 100

Reduced range (km) = Base range × (100 − Range loss %) ÷ 100

Range lost (km) = Base range − Reduced range

Worked example

Battery size: 100 kWh
EV efficiency: 16 kWh per 100 km
Scenario: Highway driving (20% loss)

Base range: 100 ÷ 16 × 100 = 625 km

Reduced range: 625 × (100 − 20) ÷ 100 = 500 km

Range lost: 625 − 500 = 125 km

What the scenarios represent

City driving accounts for mild energy losses from stop-start traffic despite regenerative braking. Hot weather with AC reflects the energy draw of cabin cooling. Cold weather with heater reflects reduced battery efficiency in low temperatures combined with cabin heating. Highway driving reflects the higher energy consumption at sustained speeds above 100 km/h. The combined scenarios (hot highway, cold highway) stack both effects. Actual losses vary by vehicle — these percentages are representative averages.

Frequently asked questions

How much range does highway driving use?

Highway driving at sustained speeds above 100 km/h typically reduces EV range by around 15 to 25 percent compared with mixed driving. Air resistance increases substantially at higher speeds, which requires more energy per kilometre. The exact impact depends on the vehicle's aerodynamics, weight and speed. Most EVs are most efficient at urban speeds where regenerative braking can recover energy during deceleration.

Does cold weather affect EV range?

Yes. Cold weather can reduce EV range by 10 to 30 percent or more depending on conditions. The battery itself operates less efficiently at low temperatures, and heating the cabin draws energy directly from the battery. Unlike petrol vehicles which use waste engine heat, EVs must generate cabin heat electrically. Preconditioning the cabin while still plugged in helps reduce the impact on driving range.

Does air conditioning reduce EV range?

Air conditioning does draw energy from the battery, but typically less than heating. In hot weather, using AC may reduce range by around 5 to 15 percent depending on the outside temperature, how hard the system needs to work and the vehicle's efficiency. Modern EVs with heat pumps are generally more efficient at climate control than older resistive heating systems.

How accurate are range loss estimates?

The percentage losses used in this calculator are approximate averages based on real-world driving data and manufacturer guidance. Actual range loss varies significantly depending on the vehicle model, battery condition, driving style, terrain, temperature and how aggressively climate control is used. Use these figures as a planning guide rather than a precise prediction.