Electric vehicles are getting more capable, with Recurrent data cited by Engadget showing the average 2026 model manages 325 miles of real-world range, and some models exceed 400. But that range is not fixed: driving style, weather, and load can significantly change how far a vehicle goes on a charge.
The biggest drains are highway speeds and rapid acceleration, which require more energy and increase aerodynamic drag. Unlike gas cars, EVs lose the benefit of regenerative braking on highways, which can otherwise extend range by as much as 20%. Climate control also matters: air-conditioning and heating consume battery power, though infotainment and USB devices have only a minor effect.
Extreme weather is another factor. Recurrent's 2025 study found range can drop by nearly a third below freezing and by about 18% at 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Carrying heavy cargo or passengers also reduces range, so removing unnecessary items from the trunk helps.
The report offers practical fixes: drive at 60 mph instead of 70 to save roughly six miles per hour, accelerate gradually, avoid boost modes, and run the heater or AC while the car is still plugged in. These steps won't eliminate range loss, but they can help drivers and fleet operators get more consistent performance from their EVs.