Energy
Visualizing the Range of Electric Cars vs. Gas-Powered Cars
Subscribe to the Elements free mailing list for more like this
The Range of Electric Cars vs. Gas-Powered Cars
This was originally posted on Elements. Sign up to the free mailing list to get beautiful visualizations on natural resource megatrends in your email every week.
EV adoption has grown rapidly in recent years, but many prospective buyers still have doubts about electric car ranges.
In fact, 33% of new car buyers chose range anxiety—the concern about how far an EV can drive on a full charge—as their top inhibitor to purchasing electric cars in a survey conducted by EY.
So, how far can the average electric car go on one charge, and how does that compare with the typical range of gas-powered cars?
The Rise in EV Ranges
Thanks to improvements in battery technology, the average range of electric cars has more than doubled over the last decade, according to data from the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Year | Avg. EV Range | Maximum EV Range |
---|---|---|
2010 | 79 miles (127 km) | N/A |
2011 | 86 miles (138 km) | 94 miles (151 km) |
2012 | 99 miles (159 km) | 265 miles (426 km) |
2013 | 117 miles (188 km) | 265 miles (426 km) |
2014 | 130 miles (209 km) | 265 miles (426 km) |
2015 | 131 miles (211 km) | 270 miles (435 km) |
2016 | 145 miles (233 km) | 315 miles (507 km) |
2017 | 151 miles (243 km) | 335 miles (539 km) |
2018 | 189 miles (304 km) | 335 miles (539 km) |
2019 | 209 miles (336 km) | 370 miles (595 km) |
2020 | 210 miles (338 km) | 402 miles (647 km) |
2021 | 217 miles (349 km) | 520 miles* (837 km) |
*Max range for EVs offered in the United States.
Source: IEA, U.S. DOE
As of 2021, the average battery-powered EV could travel 217 miles (349 km) on a single charge. It represents a 44% increase from 151 miles (243 km) in 2017 and a 152% increase relative to a decade ago.
Despite the steady growth, EVs still fall short when compared to gas-powered cars. For example, in 2021, the median gas car range (on one full tank) in the U.S. was around 413 miles (664 km)—nearly double what the average EV would cover.
As automakers roll out new models, electric car ranges are likely to continue increasing and could soon match those of their gas-powered counterparts. It’s important to note that EV ranges can change depending on external conditions.
What Affects EV Ranges?
In theory, EV ranges depend on battery capacity and motor efficiency, but real-world results can vary based on several factors:
- Weather: At temperatures below 20℉ (-6.7℃), EVs can lose around 12% of their range, rising to 41% if heating is turned on inside the vehicle.
- Operating Conditions: Thanks to regenerative braking, EVs may extend their maximum range during city driving.
- Speed: When driving at high speeds, EV motors spin faster at a less efficient rate. This may result in range loss.
On the contrary, when driven at optimal temperatures of about 70℉ (21.5℃), EVs can exceed their rated range, according to an analysis by Geotab.
The 10 Longest-Range Electric Cars in America
Here are the 10 longest-range electric cars available in the U.S. as of 2022, based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) range estimates:
Car | Range On One Full Charge | Estimated Base Price |
---|---|---|
Lucid Air | 520 miles (837 km) | $170,500 |
Tesla Model S | 405 miles (652 km) | $106,190 |
Tesla Model 3 | 358 miles (576 km) | $59,440 |
Mercedes EQS | 350 miles (563 km) | $103,360 |
Tesla Model X | 348 miles (560 km) | $122,440 |
Tesla Model Y | 330 miles (531 km) | $67,440 |
Hummer EV | 329 miles (529 km) | $110,295 |
BMW iX | 324 miles (521 km) | $84,195 |
Ford F-150 Lightning | 320 miles (515 km) | $74,169 |
Rivian R1S | 316 miles (509 km) | $70,000 |
Source: Car and Driver
The top-spec Lucid Air offers the highest range of any EV with a price tag of $170,500, followed by the Tesla Model S. But the Tesla Model 3 offers the most bang for your buck if range and price are the only two factors in consideration.
Batteries
Visualized: The Rise of the LFP Battery
In 2022, the EV sector’s market share of the LFP battery rose from just 6% in 2020 to 30%, highlighting its growing popularity.
The Rise of the LFP Battery
Primarily a key component in fertilizers, phosphate is also essential to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery technology.
LFP is an emerging favorite in the expanding EV market, particularly in standard-range EVs. Factors driving this popularity include superior safety, longevity, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability.
In this graphic, our sponsor First Phosphate looks at the growing LFP market, highlighting forecasted growth and current market share.
Market Growth
In 2022, the global LFP battery market stood at $12.5 billion. By 2030, this figure is expected to catapult to nearly $52.7 billion, signifying a CAGR of 19.7%.
Year | USD (Billion) |
---|---|
2021 | $10.5B |
2022 | $12.5B |
2023F | $15.0B |
2024F | $17.9B |
2025F | $21.5B |
2026F | $25.7B |
2027F | $30.7B |
2028F | $36.8B |
2029F | $44.0B |
2030F | $52.7B |
In 2022, LFP batteries cornered a sizable 30% of the EV market share from just 6% in 2020, demonstrating the growing appeal of this type of lithium-ion battery in the electric vehicle sector.
Market Share
The Asia Pacific region dominated the LFP battery market in 2021, accounting for over 34% of the global share.
Regions | Revenue Share (%) |
---|---|
Asia Pacific | 34% |
North America | 29% |
Europe | 23% |
Latin America | 10% |
MEA | 4% |
Meanwhile, North America, with the second largest share, is projected to witness ongoing growth through 2030.
First Phosphate holds access to 1% of the world’s purest igneous rock phosphate reserves in Québec, making it an ideal supplier for the growing LFP market.
-
Maps2 months ago
Mapped: Renewable Energy and Battery Installations in the U.S. in 2023
This graphic describes new U.S. renewable energy installations by state along with nameplate capacity, planned to come online in 2023.
-
Energy2 months ago
How EV Adoption Will Impact Oil Consumption (2015-2025P)
How much oil is saved by adding electric vehicles into the mix? We look at data from 2015 to 2025P for different types of EVs.
-
Automotive3 months ago
Global EV Production: BYD Surpasses Tesla
This graphic explores the latest EV production data for 2022, which shows BYD taking a massive step forward to surpass Tesla.
-
Batteries6 months ago
Visualizing China’s Dominance in Battery Manufacturing (2022-2027P)
This infographic breaks down battery manufacturing capacity by country in 2022 and 2027.
-
Energy7 months ago
Visualizing 25 Years of Lithium Production, by Country
Lithium production has grown exponentially over the last few decades. Which countries produce the most lithium, and how how has this mix evolved?
-
Energy10 months ago
The Top 10 EV Battery Manufacturers in 2022
Despite efforts from the U.S. and Europe to increase the domestic production of batteries, the market is still dominated by Asian suppliers.
-
VC+3 weeks ago
What are Top Investment Managers Holding in Their Portfolios?
-
Markets1 week ago
The 50 Best One-Year Returns on the S&P 500 (1980-2022)
-
United States3 weeks ago
Chart: U.S. Home Price Growth Over 50 Years
-
United States1 week ago
Mapped: The Most Dangerous Cities in the U.S.
-
Energy3 weeks ago
How Old Are the World’s Nuclear Reactors?
-
Countries7 days ago
Mapped: World’s Top 40 Largest Military Budgets
-
Energy3 weeks ago
How Big is the Market for Crude Oil?
-
Crime7 days ago
Mapped: The Safest Cities in the U.S.