Electric car range

Battery electric vehicles, like gas cars, are sensitive to temperature. For example, rolling resistance and air drag are often higher in colder temperatures. Headwind and water or snow on the road surface can also increase energy consumption in your electric car, therefore affecting range. More energy is used to warm or cool the cabin, as well as to maintain battery performance in colder temperatures, which can also result in a shorter range.

• Precondition your vehicle: Precondition your car while it’s still charging to warm or cool the cabin and battery without using stored energy. This helps make sure both the cabin and battery are at optimal temperatures before you head out.

• Turn down the cabin temperature: A few degrees cooler cabin temperature with activated seat and steering wheel heating can help improve range in cold conditions without compromising comfort. Turning the AC off altogether when it’s not needed also helps conserve energy.

Driving at steady speeds is beneficial in terms of energy consumption. Aggressive driving in stop-and-go traffic in the city or high-speed highway driving can both use more energy.

• Drive smoothly: A steadier drive means less braking, and less braking means reduced energy losses. Letting your vehicle coast to decrease its speed is the ideal way to optimize your car’s range and avoid energy loss. When braking is necessary, regenerative braking helps recover energy when you slow down.
• Use Pilot Assist or adaptive cruise control: Using features like adaptive cruise control and available Pilot Assist can help you maintain a constant speed.

Each of our fully electric and plug-in hybrid cars is designed differently. Things like weight, battery size, and aerodynamics all play a role in how far you can go.

More weight means more work for your car, and that uses more energy. Roof boxes or trailers can also add wind resistance.

Just like gas cars, under-inflated tires can reduce your car’s efficiency. It’s also important to regularly get your tires checked by a professional and ensure that they’re properly installed.

• Maintain proper tire pressure: Check your car’s tires to monitor for pressure, especially if you’ve got a long journey ahead. Make sure you’re using the right tires for the right season and driving conditions.

Like all vehicles, gas ones included, electric cars use more energy in colder conditions. While range may decrease, it’s still more than enough for typical daily driving. Our electric cars can be preheated while still plugged in, so you step into comfort without using extra battery power.

With route planning via built-in Google Maps, your Volvo can pre-condition the battery and help guide you to a compatible fast charger, so you arrive ready to charge at the optimal speed.* This helps reduce charging time and makes long journeys feel just as effortless as they should.

Our EVs charge fast, too. The all-new EX60 can be charged from 10 to 80% as fast as 16 minutes, depending on the powertrain and charger output.** 

*Google services are enabled through a digital services package that is included for four years. After this period, new terms and fees will apply if you choose to renew. Google, Google Maps and Google Play are trademarks of Google LLC. **This figure is the optimal time to charge from 10% to 80% at a charging station not limiting the vehicle capacity. Figures are preliminary and derived from estimates and calculations performed for the Volvo EX60. Charging times can vary depending on factors such as propulsion variant, outdoor temperature, battery temperature and vehicle condition.

Enjoy the convenience of charging at more than 120,000 public charging stations across North America plus 29,000+ NACS chargers on the Tesla Supercharger network.

Or conveniently charge at home with a wallbox. You can wake up with enough range to take on the day ahead.