Long range EVs need full vehicle optimisation

Concerns about battery range are partly why electric vehicles (EVs) may have failed to capture the attention of prospective buyers. At this stage it is more of a perceived issue than anything as most models now offer around 200 miles on a single charge. However, projected ranges almost always fall short when driving long distances on highways and freeways.

City driving in an EV is extremely energy efficient. Regenerative braking can even ‘add’ extra range to the initial readout shown before the journey. By comparison, travelling at speeds of 65mph and above on a highway can drain the battery, and fast. Modern EVs tend to suffer less than some earlier models, but it is still an issue that means an EV cannot quite be driven in the same manner as a gasoline and diesel vehicle, which can cruise comfortably at high speed and be at their most fuel-efficient. It is also worth pointing out that 65mph is below the speed limit on most motorways.

Efforts are being