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EV Range Calculator

Calculate electric vehicle range and charging needs

EV Range Calculator Guide

An EV range calculator estimates driving range from usable battery capacity and energy consumption. It also models speed, temperature, HVAC, terrain, payload, and charging stops to plan real trips rather than brochure numbers.

What is EV Range Calculator?

The EV range calculator converts battery size and Wh/mi (or kWh/100 km) into practical range estimates and trip plans. It helps you pick cruising speed, charging targets, and reserve buffers.

How to Use the EV Range Calculator

  1. Enter usable capacity (kWh) and consumption (kWh/100 mi or Wh/mi).
  2. Set conditions: speed, temperature, HVAC use, payload, elevation.
  3. Choose reserve (e.g., 10-20% SoC) and charging targets for stops.
  4. Calculate range and segment-by-segment plan (distance, time, arrival SoC).
  5. Iterate scenarios (slower speed, warmer cabin, different chargers).

Formulas & Methods

  • Baseline range: Range ~ (Capacity_kWh / (kWh_per_100mi)) * 100
    or Range ~ Capacity_Wh / Wh_per_mi.
  • Aerodynamic drag power: P_drag proportional to v^3 (since force proportional to v^2).
  • HVAC penalty: add fixed W_HVAC to consumption; bigger impact at low speeds.
  • Elevation: Energy_climb ~ m*g*Delta_h; regen recovers some on descents (inefficient).
  • Charging time (approx): t ~ Energy_added / Charger_power (tapers not modeled unless specified).

Assumptions & limitations

  • Consumption varies by speed, weather, tires, and wind; use your vehicle's historical Wh/mi for best accuracy.
  • DC fast charging tapers; simple models assume average power between SoC bounds.
  • Accessories and preconditioning add draw not always captured in trip meters.

Examples

Example A — Simple range
Usable 75 kWh, consumption 28 kWh/100 mi -> Range ~ 75/28*100 ~ 268 mi.

Example B — Winter trip with HVAC
Base 300 Wh/mi, HVAC 1.5 kW, average speed 30 mph -> effective 350 Wh/mi.
Usable 60 kWh -> ~171 mi to reserve.

| Factor | Effect on Range | |---|---| | Higher speed | Decreases (drag grows with v^2) | | Cold/Hot HVAC | Decreases (fixed power draw) | | Headwinds/terrain | Decrease (more work) | | Slower cruising | Increases (up to a point) |

Pro Tips & Best Practices

  • Use your recent Wh/mi from the car as the consumption baseline.
  • Plan arrival reserves (10-20% SoC) for weather and detours.
  • Prefer slightly slower speeds on marginal routes to reduce drag.
  • Precondition battery & cabin while plugged in to save driving energy.
  • For trips, model charger power between your SoC bounds, not the peak rating.

Related Calculators

FAQ

Q: How is EV range calculated?

A: Range ~ usable battery capacity (kWh) / consumption (kWh/100 mi) * 100. Conditions like speed, temperature, HVAC, terrain, and load affect consumption.

Q: What is usable capacity?

A: The portion of the battery available to the driver; manufacturers often reserve a buffer to protect longevity.

Q: How does temperature affect range?

A: Cold increases internal resistance and HVAC demand; heat raises HVAC load—both increase consumption.

Q: Can I include charging stops?

A: Yes—enter a starting SoC, target SoC at stops, and charger power to estimate travel time and segments.

Q: What driving speed should I use?

A: Higher speeds increase aero drag (~speed^2), so consumption rises quickly above urban speeds.

Call to Action

Enter capacity and your typical Wh/mi to see a realistic range—then tweak speed and temperature to plan stress-free charging stops.