Electric car range: how far could you go on one full charge?

It’s evident that electric cars are on the rise, and with increasing consumer demand, sales of EVs and plug-in hybrids are growing rapidly.

But…is range anxiety a deal breaker?

Range anxiety is probably the biggest obstacle in the greater adoption of EVs. This phenomenon has much to do with the availability of charging points, the reliability of charging times and the idea that the range of their EV is insufficient to reach their destination.

The manufacturer’s claimed range can vary, depending on multiple factors such as driving habits, traffic and weather conditions. 

It’s also important to remember that you probably won’t travel more than 200 electric miles in one journey. So, you’d have the opportunity to charge while you were stopped for a break.

To show you the capabilities of five electric vehicles, we’ve planned a few potential journeys you could make from Exeter, Devon – the home of Carparison HQ - on one full charge, according to the manufacturer’s claimed electric range.

How far can you travel in an electric car?

Audi E-tron: Exeter to Birmingham

Looking at an Audi E-tron lease? This fully electric Audi has a claimed range of up to 252 miles.

If you fancy a trip to the second-largest city in the UK, Exeter to Birmingham is only 169 miles and would take you around 3 hours. This would mean you’d have 83 miles left.

Go via the M5 and you’ll have plenty of service stations to stop at on the way.

Hyundai Ioniq 5: Exeter to Manchester

Interested in a Hyundai Ioniq 5 lease? The Ioniq 5 has a claimed electric range of up to 315 miles.

A journey from Exeter to Manchester is roughly 239 miles and, according to Google Maps, it would take you 4 hours 20 mins based on normal traffic conditions. Theoretically, you’d still have 76 miles left once you’d reached Manchester.

There are plenty of towns and cities you could stop for a break on the way too! Bristol, Cheltenham, Birmingham and lots more.

Mercedes-Benz EQA: Exeter to Blackpool

Looking for a Mercedes-Benz EQA lease? This premium German electric car has a claimed mile range of up to 328.

Take the whole family on an adventure in the luxury, compact car and drive from Exeter to Blackpool. This journey would be a long 5 hours, with Blackpool being 278 miles away from Exeter. Meaning you’d have 50 electric miles left over.

It might not be for everyone, but if you’re looking for an old-fashioned, seaside getaway, your Mercedes-Benz EQA will get you there!

BMW i4: Exeter to Lake District National Park

Wanting a BMW i4 lease? With a claimed range of up to 365 miles, you’ll have nothing to worry about.

If you’re searching for stunning views, rugged mountains, and huge bodies of water, why not take a trip to the Lake District National Park? Based on the route Google Maps advises you to take from Exeter, the 329-mile journey would take a lengthy 6 hours.

It would probably be a bit of a stretch considering you’d only have 36 electric miles left on your battery, but in theory, it could be done.

Since it’s such a long journey, you’d probably stop for several breaks anyway, where you could charge up and avoid a flat battery.

Tesla Model Y: Exeter to York

Ah, York. Home to medieval walls, cobbled streets, and the cutest ghosts we've ever seen.

And if you opt for a Tesla Model Y lease, you'll have absolutely no issues getting there. At least, you won't have any issues getting there from Exeter.

With a claimed 331-mile range against the 300-ish-mile journey (a mere five hours with no stops), you should arrive in York with change to spare. Although, should you be getting a little nervous, the Tesla's fast charging times and Supercharger network nets you 175 miles of range in just 15 minutes.

So, with a little stop on the way for a wee and some cake, you'll be laughing all the way to York. It's just one more reason why Tesla lease deals are proving so popular.

Advice

As you can see, these electric cars can go quite the distance.

If you’re planning on taking your EV for an extra-long journey across the country, it would be wise to research where there are charging points, so you don’t find yourself with a flat battery. There are plenty of apps you can use to track where there are EV charging points on your route.

We encourage you to take regular breaks if you’re driving a long way to have a little rest and stretch your legs.

All motorway service stations are required to have EV charging points but plenty of cities will have charging points scattered around the area too, so if you fancy a little pit stop and want to explore a new place on the way, plan your route so you can charge your vehicle while stopped.