Electric vehicle range is one of the most discussed topics among UK EV owners and prospective buyers. The gap between official WLTP figures and real-world range can be significant, particularly in the UK's varied climate. Understanding what factors affect your range allows you to plan journeys confidently and eliminate range anxiety.
In 2026, the average new EV sold in the UK offers a WLTP range of approximately 250-300 miles. However, real-world range under typical UK conditions - including motorway driving, UK weather, and realistic climate control use - is closer to 200-230 miles for most models.
| Model | Battery | WLTP Range | Est. Real Range (70mph) | Est. Real Range (Cold) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Leaf (40kWh) | 40 kWh | 149 miles | ~115 miles | ~90 miles |
| MG4 Standard Range | 51 kWh | 218 miles | ~170 miles | ~130 miles |
| Vauxhall Astra Electric | 54 kWh | 258 miles | ~200 miles | ~155 miles |
| Kia EV6 Standard Range | 58 kWh | 329 miles | ~260 miles | ~200 miles |
| MG4 Long Range | 77 kWh | 281 miles | ~220 miles | ~170 miles |
| Tesla Model 3 LR AWD | 82 kWh | 358 miles | ~290 miles | ~215 miles |
| BMW iX xDrive50 | 111 kWh | 380 miles | ~310 miles | ~228 miles |
Multiple factors combine to determine your real-world EV range. The most impactful are speed and temperature:
| Charger Type | Power | Miles Added (30 min) | Common Networks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slow (home) | 3-7 kW | 10-20 miles | Home wallbox |
| Fast | 22 kW | ~60 miles | Pod Point, Osprey |
| Rapid | 50 kW | ~100 miles | BP Pulse, Chargemaster |
| Ultra-Rapid | 150 kW | ~200 miles | Gridserve, Osprey |
| Super-Rapid | 350 kW | ~300 miles | Gridserve Electric Forecourts |
Home charging remains the most convenient and cost-effective option for most UK EV owners. A 7kW home wallbox (Ohme, Zappi, Andersen) typically costs £700-£1,100 installed and can add around 25-30 miles of range per hour.
| Charger | Power | Full Charge Time (64kWh) | Overnight Cost (off-peak) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-pin socket | 2.3 kW | ~28 hours | ~£8-12 |
| 3kW wallbox | 3 kW | ~21 hours | ~£7-10 |
| 7kW wallbox | 7 kW | ~9 hours | ~£8-14 |
| 22kW wallbox | 22 kW | ~3 hours | ~£10-18 |
Range anxiety is one of the biggest concerns for new EV drivers, but these strategies will help you drive with confidence on UK roads:
Cold weather significantly reduces EV range. In freezing conditions (below 0°C), you can expect to lose 35-40% of your WLTP range due to battery chemistry limitations and the energy needed for cabin heating. In mild UK autumn and spring temperatures (5-10°C), expect around a 10-15% reduction. Using a heat pump instead of resistive heating (available on many 2024-2026 models) reduces this impact considerably.
WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) is the official EU and UK test cycle for measuring EV range. The test includes a mix of urban, suburban, and motorway driving at moderate temperatures. Real-world range is typically 15-25% lower than WLTP figures in normal conditions. At motorway speeds of 70mph, the reduction can be 25-35% below the WLTP figure.
Yes. Motorway driving at 70mph can reduce your real-world range by 25-30% compared to WLTP figures. At 80mph, the reduction can reach 35-40%. Aerodynamic drag increases with the square of speed, so going from 60mph to 70mph increases drag by 36%. This is why some EV drivers prefer the outside lane at 55-60mph on long journeys to maximise range between charge stops.
The 80% rule recommends charging your EV to a maximum of 80% for daily use to preserve battery longevity. Fast charging slows significantly above 80% (to protect battery cells from heat damage), and charging from 80-100% takes as long as charging from 20-80%. For long trips, plan charge stops so you arrive at chargers with 10-20% remaining and charge to 80%. Only charge to 100% when necessary for a long journey.
Electric cabin heating is the biggest drain on EV range in UK winters, potentially reducing range by 15-20% in cold conditions. Air conditioning in summer reduces range by 8-12%. Pre-conditioning your car while still plugged in is the key solution - heating the cabin before you unplug means you start your journey with full range and use minimal energy maintaining temperature rather than building it up from cold.
The fastest UK charging networks in 2026 are Gridserve Electric Highways (up to 350kW), bp pulse Ultra (up to 300kW), and Pod Point Ultra (up to 150kW). Tesla Superchargers offer up to 250kW for compatible Tesla vehicles. Rapid chargers at 50kW (found at most motorway services) add around 100 miles in 35-40 minutes for most EVs. Always check Zap-Map before a long journey for real-time availability.
The best EV route planning apps in the UK are ABRP (A Better Route Planner), which accounts for real-world conditions including weather, elevation, and your specific car model. Zap-Map shows real-time charger availability across the UK's 60,000+ public charge points. Both are free with premium tiers. Most modern EVs also have built-in navigation that automatically routes via charge stops when needed.