Electric Vehicle Range

The range of an electric vehicle is the distance it can travel on a full battery. The manufacturer's figure, measured on the WLTP cycle, is useful for comparing models; the range you actually get depends on how the vehicle is used.

For a fleet, real-world range is what counts: it decides which routes a vehicle can cover without charging, and therefore which combustion vehicles it can replace during fleet electrification.

What makes range vary

1. Driving style. Eco-driving matters even more in an EV: smooth, anticipated driving lets regenerative braking recover energy at every slowdown instead of losing it in the brakes.
2. Speed. Air resistance grows with speed: on the highway, consumption rises and range falls.
3. Temperature. In cold weather the battery is less efficient, and heating draws on the same energy reserve. Winter routes should be planned with a margin.
4. Load and tires. A heavier vehicle uses more energy, and under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance.
5. Preconditioning. Heating or cooling the cabin while the vehicle is still plugged in uses grid power rather than battery power, and saves range for the road.

Tracking range across a fleet

The gap between advertised and real-world range is measured vehicle by vehicle: kilometers driven, state of charge at departure and arrival, charging sessions. These records show which trips can be done without charging and when charging management has to take over. Over time, the health of the battery also plays a part.

In practice, fleets compare each route's daily distance with the range observed in the worst season, not the best, and keep a buffer for detours and traffic. Vehicles that park at a depot overnight are usually the easiest to switch first, because they can be charged slowly and on a regular schedule every evening.

How Dadycar helps

Dadycar is a French fleet management software. Electric vehicle optimization shows each vehicle's state of charge in real time, its charging history and the charging locations on record. Battery checks are scheduled like the rest of the maintenance, with reminders and due dates. Telematics records trips and mileage, without a box on compatible connected vehicles.

To decide which vehicles to electrify, the energy transition analysis starts from each vehicle's actual trips. Data is hosted in France, with OVHcloud.

FAQ

Why is real-world range lower than the advertised range?
The WLTP cycle measures consumption under standardized conditions, which makes models comparable. On the road, speed, temperature, load and driving style change consumption, and therefore the distance covered.

How do you protect range in winter?
Precondition the cabin while the vehicle is plugged in, keep driving smooth, and build a margin into route planning.

Does battery ageing reduce range?
Yes, gradually. As the battery loses capacity over the years, the distance available on a full charge falls, which is why battery health should be checked regularly on older fleet vehicles.