Check what each range figure measures
Check which range test was used, along with the model grade, battery and wheel size. These details can change the published figure, so compare the same test and equivalent variants.
Why range figures can differ
Many current Australian specification sheets publish a combined WLTP figure, but several details can make two figures hard to compare:
- Test standard — WLTP, CLTC, EPA and the older NEDC procedure use different laboratory tests, so their figures are not directly comparable. Australian labels are moving to WLTP-based testing, while overseas reviews may quote another standard. Use the standard named on the exact Australian specification sheet.
- Battery chemistry (LFP vs NMC) — chemistry can influence the manufacturer's recommended daily charge limit and whether the car should reach 100% regularly for battery estimation. LFP batteries still age, recommendations vary by model and software, and labels such as “standard range” or “long range” do not prove the chemistry. Follow the current guidance for the exact Australian variant.
- Used EVs and state of health (SOH) — SOH is an estimate of how much battery capacity remains compared with when the battery was new. A lower result can reduce usable range, but it does not translate exactly into the same percentage of lost brochure range. Ask how the result was measured, compare it with similar cars and make sure the remaining range covers your routine. See the used-EV battery health checks.
- Grade, wheels and battery — a different trim level, larger wheels, or battery option on the same model can produce a noticeably different official range.
Always use the Australian specification sheet or the Australian page of the manufacturer's website. If a dealer's website shows a higher number, check which test standard and variant it refers to.
Turn the official figure into a road-trip estimate
ChooseEV applies the same rule to every car: reduce the official range by 15% for highway driving, then leave some battery in reserve at the end. This is a cautious, consistent comparison. It does not mean every EV loses exactly 15% on every highway. The Australian Automobile Association’s controlled on-road tests found its first 15 EVs travelled 3% to 31% less than their laboratory figures, with the gap varying by car.
What can change your range on the road?
| What changes | Plain-language effect |
|---|---|
| High speed | The car pushes through more air, so sustained highway speed usually shortens range. This matters most when the next compatible charger is near the limit of your estimate. |
| Weather and hills | Headwinds, low temperatures, rain and long climbs can shorten the distance available. |
| Passengers and luggage | Extra weight and roof-mounted equipment make the car work harder. |
| Heating and cooling | Cabin and battery heating use energy. A heat pump usually uses less energy than a resistance heater, so it can help winter range. The benefit varies by car, temperature and trip length. Preparing the cabin while the car is plugged in can also help. |
| Wheels and tyres | Larger wheels can reduce the official range of an otherwise similar variant. |
How much battery should you leave when you stop?
The battery you plan not to use is often called an arrival reserve. Ten per cent is a reasonable starting point on a familiar route with several charging choices. Use more when the weather is poor, alternatives are limited or the route is unfamiliar. Five per cent leaves little room for a busy, unavailable or incompatible charger.
How much range do I actually need?
| Your situation | What actually matters |
|---|---|
| Ordinary week | Cover the hardest regular return trip, then check whether your usual parking replaces the energy before the next long day. This is the range test that matters most because you repeat it. Use the weekly charging-routine check to test that second part. |
| Repeated regional route | Use the exact variant’s cautious estimate for the longest leg and keep a reserve suited to the conditions and backup options. A car that reaches two compatible sites gives you more flexibility than one that reaches only a single charger. |
| Occasional intercity trip | Plan each charger-to-charger leg. Compare stop location, compatible charging speed and a reachable backup—not only total battery range. A stop you accept a few times a year should not automatically set the battery size for every daily trip. The public-charging guide explains connectors, access and backup planning. |
Does a longer-range version remove a stop?
Sometimes. More often, extra range moves the stop or gives you more backup choices. If both versions comfortably reach the break you already want, charging speed and reliable alternative sites may matter more than another 40 km of range. Compare the car's charging limits with the chargers available on your regular route.
Practical planning questions
Do the times in the chart include charging stops?
No—driving time only. Charging time depends on the car, charger, starting battery percentage, battery temperature and how much energy the next leg needs. Check the exact car’s 10–80% charging evidence and use the public-charging guide to allow for charger speed, queues and a backup site.
What if the charger is broken or busy when I arrive?
A broken or busy charger can leave you without enough range to reach the next site. Before a long trip, identify at least one compatible backup within range of each planned stop. A Better Route Planner (ABRP) plans charging stops, while PlugShare shows locations and recent driver check-ins. Confirm live availability in the charging network’s own app before leaving and again on the day.
Does cold weather really drain the battery?
Cold conditions can reduce range and charging speed. Cabin and battery heating also use energy. A heat pump can use less energy than a resistance heater, but it does not remove every cold-weather loss. For an alpine or unusually cold trip, increase the reserve and keep a reachable backup charger.
What is the difference between WLTP, CLTC and EPA range?
WLTP, CLTC and EPA use different laboratory procedures, so their range figures are not directly comparable. Current Australian labels are moving to WLTP-based testing. Use the test standard and exact variant shown on the Australian specification sheet.
How does battery chemistry (LFP vs NMC) affect my range?
Battery chemistry can influence charging guidance, but there is no universal LFP or NMC percentage rule. Follow the current owner-manual or in-car recommendation for the exact Australian variant and software. LFP batteries still age, and a recommendation to reach 100% regularly should not be turned into a claim that daily full charging causes no degradation.
How do I plan a real-world road trip in my EV?
A Better Route Planner (ABRP) (website and app) accounts for your car, battery level, speed, elevation and real charger locations. Key settings to get right:
- Car model and variant — use your exact trim so ABRP has the right battery size.
- Arrival charge level — set 10–15% minimum at each stop as a buffer.
- Charge to level — the default 80% is usually faster than a full charge; only raise it if you need the extra range on a specific leg.
- Networks — filter to charger networks your car is compatible with.
On the day, treat the route planner as an estimate and confirm connector, access and live status in the charging operator’s own listing.
Assumptions, sources and vehicle notes
ChooseEV calculation: published combined WLTP × 0.85 highway-planning factor × the usable share after the selected battery reserve. At the default 10% reserve, 500 × 0.85 × 0.90 becomes 383 km after rounding.
The estimate starts at 100% and does not model temperature, wind, elevation, speed, passengers, luggage, traffic, battery condition or charger locations. Driving-time labels use a 95 km/h moving average and exclude stops. Use the result to compare cars, not to navigate.
General advice follows the Australian Government’s EV trip-planning guidance and its explanation of how battery capacity, vehicle efficiency and driving conditions affect range. Australian range labels are transitioning to WLTP-based requirements; see the Department of Infrastructure’s fuel consumption label guidance. Real-world gap figures are from the AAA Real-World Testing Program update.
- Geely EX5 MY26 brochure: Complete uses 18-inch wheels and Inspire uses 19-inch wheels.
- Tesla Model 3 Australia: current rear-wheel-drive variants with 18-inch wheels.
- Tesla Model 3 Australian owner's manual: describes the current heat-pump cabin-heating system.
- BYD Atto 3 Australian specification sheet: Essential and Premium combined WLTP.
- Hyundai Kona Electric Australia: the 505 km Extended Range figure uses 17-inch wheels; Premium Extended Range is 444 km.
- Hyundai Kona Electric MY26 specification sheet: a heat pump is standard on every listed Australian variant.
- Kia EV3 Australia: Air Standard Range and Air Long Range.
Sources and figures checked 16 July 2026. A missing heating specification is shown as “not stated” rather than treated as proof of resistance heating. Specifications can change with model year, grade, wheels and software approval.