EVs for High-Mileage Drivers

• August 29, 2025

• Sara Davies

• Articles

 

“I cover a lot of miles, so electric wouldn’t work for me.”

We hear this a lot. In fact, range is probably the most common reason fleet managers and drivers give for avoiding all-electric models.

It’s true that the first wave of electric vehicles more than a decade ago covered less than 150 miles and that the range of many electric cars today is still only around 250. However, technology has improved massively, with batteries now immeasurably more efficient, making way to a sizeable enough group of long-range vehicles able to cover 400+ miles on a single charge; ideal for mileage-heavy business and family trips.

Drivers regularly covering a lot of road can find suitable vehicles that are on their way to trebling the range of the electric cars of old, and the fast charging capabilities of an ever growing number of public charging stations across the UK has meant that many business drivers are now able to transition across to electric with confidence.

But here’s the important bit…When you’re comparing EV ranges, dive deeper than just the headline figures.

Our article covers why this is so important, but firstly let’s iron out some key terms:

WLTP (UK/Europe)

This is the global standard used outside the U.S. It stands for Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure and is designed to provide more realistic fuel economy and emissions data for new passenger cars than the previous testing system, reflecting everyday driving conditions more accurately. The tests measure fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, and the range of electric vehicles on a dynamometer, using a more dynamic cycle that includes urban and extra-urban driving phases. It tends to be optimistic compared to the reality of everyday driving, though it’s considered more accurate than the old NEDC.

EPA (US)

Considered stricter and usually closer to real-world experience, EPA is the US standard for measuring electric vehicle range. The EPA system includes factors like urban and highway driving and applies a real-world adjustment, resulting in lower, more accurate range estimates than WLTP. 

Real-world

Factors like motorway driving, weather, terrain, and speed can cut range by 15–30% compared to official figures. As an example, a car rated 450 miles WLTP might realistically deliver 350–380 miles on a mix of UK roads.

 

What part does battery size and efficiency play?

When it comes to battery size and efficiency, it’s worth considering that a well-engineered, efficient EV can outperform a heavy SUV with a giant battery in real-world conditions. Bigger batteries don’t always mean longer range; weight and efficiency matter too as there’s a weight penalty involved. A larger battery adds weight which means that the extra mass requires more energy to move. Aerodynamics are also important and SUVs with huge batteries can lose efficiency due to their shape whereas sleek saloons like the Ioniq 6, for example, travel further on the same kWh thanks to their low drag.

Powertrain efficiency also affects how much of the battery’s stored energy is turned into miles. This is impacted by motor design, tyre resistance, software management and more, and is the reason why vehicles such as Teslas often outperform bigger-battery competitors.

Miles per kWh

Miles per kWh is an efficiency rating for electric vehicles (EVs) indicating how many miles an EV can travel using one kilowatt-hour of electricity. Higher miles per kWh numbers mean greater efficiency, with vehicles like the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Ioniq 6 being highly efficient due to their aerodynamic designs and lighter weight, allowing them to travel further than less efficient or heavier vehicles on the same amount of electricity.

Think of it like mpg for EVs. A highly efficient EV can travel further on a smaller pack than a heavy SUV. High efficiency can offset smaller battery capacity, reduce charging time, and lower running costs.

Leading efficient models already in the UK or coming soon include:

• Nio Onvo L60 ~ 5.6 mi/kWh
• Tesla Model 3 Long Range ~ 5.4 mi/kWh
• Tesla Model 3 Highland RWD: ~5.1 mi/kWh
• Hyundai Ioniq 6 RWD: ~5.0 mi/kWh

 

Driving style and conditions

Range is affected by the way you drive and the sorts of journeys you’re undertaking which is worth bearing in mind. EVs are most efficient in city driving thanks to regenerative braking. If most trips are local, you may not need 400+ miles but if you do long commutes or frequent motorway trips, bigger packs are worth it, since constant 70 mph motorway runs can drain range faster. Cold winters may also reduce range by as much as by 20–30% due to battery chemistry and cabin heating. Load and terrain can lower range as well, with carrying passengers, towing, or steep hills all increasing energy use.

 

Charging infrastructure and speed

Range is much less of an issue if you can recharge your vehicle fast, when and where you need to. Peak charging rate (kW) and charging curve are key. Some cars hit 350 kW but only briefly; others sustain 200 kW for longer, making real-world charging stops shorter. Availability of networks along the routes you’ll be travelling the most will influence whether you need the biggest battery, as does the availabilty of home and work-based chargers.

 

Vehicle class and use case

It’s helpful to look at the types of vehicles with the longest range and  their attributes when considering which EV might be the most suitable to you and align the best to your longer range needs:

• Luxury saloons (Mercedes EQS, Audi A6 e-tron): Max range, but expensive.
• SUVs (BMW iX, Polestar 3, Peugeot E-3008): Practical but less efficient due to size/weight.
• Smaller cars (Tesla Model 3, VW ID.7): Often give the best efficiency/£.

Future-proofing

When considering an EV, bear in mind that most EVs lose 2–3% capacity per year. Starting with a higher range gives more of a buffer. However you’ll also want to consider that charging networks are expanding rapidly, which may make ultra-long range less critical in a few years.

 

The key takeaways

When comparing EV range, don’t just chase the biggest number. Consider efficiency, real-world driving needs, charging speeds, and cost per mile of range. For most UK drivers (average daily mileage ~20–30 miles), even a 250-300 mile EV is more than enough—while 400–500 mile cars are useful mainly for frequent long trips.

WLTP figures from manufacturers tend to be optimistic. Real-life use, especially motorway driving, high speeds, and cold weather—can reduce range significantly. For example, the Polestar 3 Long Range single motor is rated at 438 miles (WLTP), but real-world testing shows consumption closer to 2.5 mi/kWh, yielding just about 260 miles range.  

However, also understand that by using driving techniques, vehicle maintenance, and planning,(known as hypermiling), you can maximise the range or efficiency of an electric vehicle. Techniques include maintaining momentum, driving smoothly and steadily, optimising tyre pressure and condition, and reducing aerodynamic drag and vehicle weight. 

 

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