Discover the driving range of your electric car

Electric vehicle range is an important consideration, particularly in relation to standards such as WLTP, the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure. This protocol provides a standardised method for measuring electric vehicle range, taking factors such as speed, climate and driving style into account.

Actual range may differ significantly from the official figure, depending on road conditions, accessory use and other variables. Want to find out how far your electric car could travel based on your driving style? Try the Free2move simulator and discover how to get more from your electric driving experience.

The estimated range shown by the vehicle will not automatically match the WLTP range, even when the battery is fully charged. The range displayed is calculated using an algorithm that considers energy consumption during the previous journey, which may vary depending on speed, driving style, vehicle load, outside temperature and other factors. It also takes cabin climate control and outside temperature into account. Colder conditions generally reduce range, while warmer conditions may increase it.

As a result, the remaining range shown at 100% charge may differ from one driver to another and may also vary from day to day for the same driver.

Lancia Gamma Electric offers a driving range of up to 741 km, depending on the trim level and selected options, according to the WLTP combined cycle.

Real-world driving range may be up to 30% lower than type-approval figures at ambient temperatures between 20°C and 35°C, and almost 50% lower at temperatures between −15°C and −5°C. This variation reflects the combined impact of the primary and secondary factors described below.

1. Primary factors

1.1 Actual usage profile

Actual vehicle use may reduce range by up to 50% and includes the following factors:

Speed: energy consumption increases significantly at higher speeds because more power is required.

Driving style: aggressive driving, with rapid acceleration and sudden braking, can use battery energy much more quickly. It also reduces the amount of energy recovered through regenerative braking and increases the use of the mechanical braking system. Smooth acceleration and careful braking can limit the reduction in real-world range by up to 20%.

Type of route: urban, extra-urban and motorway driving affect real-world range differently.

1.2 Climate conditions

Outside temperature: extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can reduce the usable battery capacity and decrease range by up to 45%.

The effect of outside temperature also varies according to speed. For example:

At 50 km/h and 0°C, range may decrease by up to 40%.
At 50 km/h and 35°C, range may decrease by up to 25%.
At 130 km/h and 0°C, range may decrease by up to 20%.
At 130 km/h and 35°C, range may decrease by up to 5%.

Heating and air conditioning: the energy used to heat or cool the passenger compartment can significantly reduce driving range.

For example:

When the temperature falls from 20°C to 0°C, using the climate-control system may reduce range by up to 40%.
When the temperature rises from 20°C to 40°C, using the climate-control system may reduce range by up to 20%.

1.3 Battery age and condition — State of Health

A battery’s ability to retain charge gradually decreases over time and with use. This is a characteristic of all batteries and results from several secondary reactions governed by complex physical and chemical processes.

The reduction in battery capacity can be compared to a fuel tank that gradually becomes smaller. A full tank would therefore contain fewer litres over time, reducing the total distance the vehicle can travel.

A reduction in the battery’s remaining capacity will consequently result in a proportional reduction in driving range.

It is reasonable to expect that, over a period of eight years or 160,000 km, the battery’s charging capacity will not fall below 70%.

Several factors influence how much battery capacity decreases throughout its operating life. The following measures can help extend battery life:

When fast charging is not necessary, choose standard AC charging instead of DC fast charging.
Adopt a smooth driving style, maintain a steady speed whenever possible and avoid sudden acceleration. This helps reduce energy consumption and the load placed on the battery over time.
Fully charge the battery only before long journeys. For everyday use, it is advisable not to exceed an 80% charge level.
During extended periods of inactivity, maintain a medium charge level rather than leaving the vehicle parked with a fully charged battery, particularly when the ambient temperature is high.
In high ambient temperatures, park the vehicle in the shade or in a garage whenever possible.

2. Secondary factors

Vehicle weight and load: a heavier vehicle or a greater load requires more energy both when accelerating on level roads and when maintaining a constant speed on an incline. The effect of weight becomes more significant on winding roads and with an aggressive driving style.

Terrain and route: uphill routes and uneven terrain require more energy than level roads. Road profile can have a particularly significant effect when combined with a heavier vehicle or load.

Tyre pressure and condition: underinflated or worn tyres increase rolling resistance and the amount of energy required for traction, reducing energy efficiency and driving range.

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