Plug-in Electric Vehicle Range: How long will my battery really last?

So far, the “Electrify Your Ride” article series has covered a variety of topics to help you better understand plug-in electric vehicles (PEV) and the potential benefits of making the switch. But many folks are still concerned about the range they can travel on a battery charge, particularly in the case of all-electric vehicles. This article will take a closer look at range, but first, let’s revisit the different types of PEVs available today:

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) – A PHEV has both an electric motor and a conventional gasoline engine. The gas engine is used as a backup when the battery is depleted. PHEVs have an electric range of between 12 and 29 miles depending on vehicle make and model.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle PLUS (PHEV+) – A PHEV+ also has both an electric motor and a conventional gasoline engine. The PLUS indicates that the vehicle’s battery capacity is greater than 10 kWh, which typically means it will run farther on battery than a standard PHEV. Most PHEV+s have an electric range of between 29 and 53 miles depending on vehicle make and model.

Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) – A BEV is 100% electric. BEVs have a range of between 70 and 335 miles depending on vehicle make and model.

Because PHEVs and PHEV+s have a gas engine that can be used when the battery is depleted, electric range is less of a concern when it comes to availability of charging. However, range is an important consideration with regard to cost savings because the more you use the electric motor, the more money you’ll save on fuel costs. A PHEV+, which comes with a larger battery (greater than 10 kWh), has a longer electric range, so less gas is needed to go the same distance.

A BEV runs solely on an electric motor powered by a battery, so electric range is a more important consideration. According to Plug In America, there are ten BEVs on the market that have an electric range of greater than 100 miles and four with a range of greater than 200 miles. The majority of PEV owners charge their car at home (usually overnight), or at work. And as most people don’t drive more than 100 miles in a single day, a range of 100 miles (or even less) is sufficient. Concerned about those weekend road trips? Thanks to an ever-growing network of charging stations, it’s likely that a DC Fast Charger will be available along the way. PlugShare has a new feature called Trip Planner which allows you to input your destination and then shows charging stations along your route. With a little planning, that road trip is well within reach!

Regardless of the type of PEV, it’s important to note that the way you drive the vehicle will impact the actual range you get out of a charge, just as the way you drive a traditional gas-powered vehicle impacts your miles per gallon.

Check the third article in our series, How and Where to Charge Your Plug-in Electric Vehicle, for more on charging. 

RMLD residential customers who are ready to electrify their ride can take advantage of our summer plug-in electric vehicle pilot rebate program, which offers a $1,500 rebate for the lease or purchase of a new or used Battery Electric Vehicle, and a $1,000 rebate for the lease or purchase of a new Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle PLUS. Delivery must be taken by October 31, 2018. RMLD also offers residential customers a rebate of 100% of equipment costs up to $500 for the home installation of a networked (or “smart”) AC level 2 charging station. Click here for more information.

Want to learn more about PEVs and take a test drive? RMLD, in partnership with Danvers Electric, is hosting a Plug-in Electric Vehicle Ride and Drive Event on Sunday, September 16, 2018 from 10 am - 2 pm at RMLD’s offices located at 230 Ash Street, Reading. If you can't make it on Sunday, Concord and Belmont are hosting an EV Event on Saturday, September 15, 2018 from 11 am - 3 pm at Walden Pond in Concord. 

This is the sixth in a series of articles RMLD will publish this summer regarding plug-in electric vehicles. Be on the lookout for our next article: Why Plug-in EVs Cost Less to Maintain. Click here to view the series and sign-up to receive new articles via email.