EV Range Calculator
Estimate how far your EV can travel on a full charge, and how much range it loses in highway, hot and cold conditions. Enter a range loss percentage or pick a driving condition.
Estimated range
Typical EV range in New Zealand
Estimated range depends mainly on battery size and how efficiently the vehicle uses energy. Driving conditions have a significant effect — city driving is more efficient than highway speeds, and cold weather reduces range further.
| Conditions | Efficiency adjustment | Efficiency | Estimated range |
|---|---|---|---|
| City driving | -25% | 12.0 kWh per 100 km | 833 km |
| Mixed driving | -12% | 14.1 kWh per 100 km | 709 km |
| Typical driving | Baseline | 16.0 kWh per 100 km | 625 km |
| Highway driving | +15% | 18.4 kWh per 100 km | 543 km |
| Fast highway | +25% | 20.0 kWh per 100 km | 500 km |
| Worst case | +50% | 24.0 kWh per 100 km | 417 km |
Based on a typical EV (100 kWh battery, 16 kWh per 100 km). Percentage adjustments are approximate — actual variation depends on vehicle model, driving style, terrain, temperature and climate control use. City driving benefits from regenerative braking. Highway figures are based on typical New Zealand speed limits of 90 to 100 km/h. Worst case combines cold weather, highway speeds and cabin heating.
How this calculator works
This calculator estimates how far an electric vehicle can travel on a full battery based on battery size and energy consumption. It shows range under different driving conditions so you can compare best and worst case at a glance.
Formula
Estimated range (km) = Battery size (kWh) ÷ EV efficiency (kWh per 100 km) × 100
Range loss (%) = (1 − Baseline efficiency ÷ Adjusted efficiency) × 100
Worked example
Battery: 100 kWh
EV efficiency: 16 kWh per 100 km (typical driving)
Range: 100 ÷ 16 × 100 = 625 km
At highway speeds the same vehicle uses about 15% more energy, so efficiency becomes 18.4 kWh per 100 km:
Range: 100 ÷ 18.4 × 100 = 543 km, a range loss of 13%
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.
