INFOGRAPHIC: How the range of electric cars has evolved compared to conventional cars in recent years

Today’s electric cars have quite a range and have become a serious alternative to combustion engine vehicles, especially for city dwellers. Progress over the last 10 years has been substantial.

In 2010, the average range of electric cars was 127 km. Just five years later, in 2015, this figure has reached 211 km.

In 2021, electric cars on the market had an average range of 349 km. By comparison, cars with internal combustion engines had an average range of 665 km last year.

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Shorter range is still the main thing (33% of respondents indicated it) that concerns potential new car customers when it comes to electric vehicles, according to a survey by EY.

Average and maximum range of electric cars between 2010 and 20121*:

2010: average 127 km, maximum 151 km
2011:138 km, 151 km
2012: 159 km, 426 km
2013: 188 km, 426 km
2014: 209 km, 426 km
2015: 211 km, 435 km
2016: 233 km, 507 km
2017: 243 km, 539 km
2018: 304 km, 539 km
2019: 336 km, 595 km
2020: 338 km, 647 km
2021: 349 km, 837 km

*Vehicles sold in the US.

Factors affecting electric vehicle range

The range of electric cars is affected by several factors. At temperatures as low as -6.7 degrees Celsius such a vehicle loses about 12% of its range. This can rise to 41% if the heat is turned on in the car.

In cities, thanks to regenerative braking technology, electric cars can travel longer distances.

At the same time, at high speeds the efficiency of electric motors and the maximum distance they can travel decreases.

Moreover, when the temperature is ideal (21.5 degrees Celsius), EVs can exceed the range advertised by the manufacturer, according to Geotab.