Electric Car Range Calculator by kWh

EV range: how to estimate from kWh

The math is straightforward: range = capacity_kWh / consumption_kWh per km. With the more common 100 km unit it becomes range = capacity / consumption × 100. Take a Tesla Model 3 Long Range, which carries 75 kWh and averages around 17 kWh/100 km. That works out to about 440 km. A BYD Dolphin, a popular EV in Brazil, has 44 kWh and uses roughly 13 kWh/100 km, so it lands near 340 km. Watch out for the certification cycle behind any number you see. WLTP (Europe) tends to run optimistic, EPA (US) sits closer to reality, and Brazil's Inmetro/PBEV reports figures in kWh/100 km. Out on the road, you'll usually see 70-90% of the rated range, with a 20-30% hit in cold weather and another 10% or so once the AC is running. As a worked example, 60 kWh at 17 kWh/100 km gives 353 km.

Applications

Plan EV road trips, weigh an EV against a combustion car for your daily commute, compare MPGe ratings in the US, make sense of an Inmetro label in Brazil, or size a home battery and solar setup.

FAQ

Why does real range fall short of the spec? A few things pile up. Highway speeds above 110 km/h, cold weather that slows the battery chemistry, running the heater, aggressive driving, a stiff headwind — any of these can shave 20-40% off the official figure.

WLTP vs EPA, which to trust? EPA usually tracks real-world driving better. WLTP tends to run 10-15% more optimistic, so multiply a WLTP number by about 0.85 if you want a US-style estimate.

What counts as a good consumption figure? Anything below 15 kWh/100 km is efficient, the territory of small EVs. Sedans tend to sit in the 17-20 kWh/100 km range, while large SUVs and pickups commonly draw 22 kWh/100 km or more.