EV Range Calculator
Calculate the real-world range of your EV at speed, in the cold, uphill and towing a trailer – with WLTP comparison and 26 popular models.
The WLTP figure is a lab test in mild weather at moderate speed. On the motorway, in the cold, uphill or with a trailer, range drops noticeably. This calculator uses a physics model (air and rolling resistance, gradient, wind, heating) calibrated per vehicle to real-world efficiency data.
Where the energy goes
Pro tips
- Speed is the biggest lever: dropping from 130 to 110 km/h (80 to 70 mph) typically adds more than 20 % motorway range.
- With a trailer, frontal area matters more than weight: a caravan costs far more range than a low open trailer at the same speed.
- Plan charging stops with an 80 → 10 % window, because almost every EV charges much slower above 80 %.
How it works – method and limits
At constant speed the model adds up air drag (Cd·A, including wind), rolling resistance, gradient and auxiliary loads (electronics, heating, A/C) and divides drive power by an efficiency of 87 %. Downhill, 65 % of the energy is recovered. Each vehicle's Cd·A was calibrated so that consumption at 110 km/h and 23 °C (68–73 °F) matches the efficiency data from ev-database.org (on average just 0.013 away from the published Cd values); cold-weather heating power matches their −10 °C (14 °F) figures. Not modelled: stop-and-go, acceleration, battery ageing, the cold's effect on usable battery capacity, and tyre choice.
Trailers and bike racks are approximated with additional effective frontal area (rack 0.12 m², open trailer 0.45 m², box trailer 0.80 m², caravan 1.20 m²) and weight; uncertainty here is around ±20 %. Vehicle data (capacity, WLTP, weights, dimensions, towing capacities): manufacturer figures per ev-database.org, as of 09/2026 – please check against your registration document or data sheet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does real-world range differ from the WLTP figure?
WLTP is a lab test with an average speed of about 47 km/h (29 mph) in mild weather. On the motorway, air drag grows with the square of speed, and in the cold heating and higher rolling resistance are added. At 130 km/h (80 mph), real-world range is therefore often 30–45 % below the WLTP figure.
How much range does a trailer cost?
Depending on shape and speed, roughly 35–60 %: with box trailers and caravans, air drag rises most, while weight plays a smaller role at constant speed. Slowing down helps the most. A rear rack with bikes costs around 10–15 % in the model.
How fast can I drive with a trailer?
In Germany, cars towing a trailer are generally limited to 80 km/h. With a Tempo-100 approval (specific technical requirements for the towing vehicle and trailer), 100 km/h is allowed. Other countries have other limits, so check before you travel.
How much range does an EV lose in winter?
At −10 °C (14 °F), motorway consumption typically rises by about 30 % according to efficiency data: heating, higher rolling resistance and denser air. Preheating while plugged in and using seat heating instead of the fan help.
How accurate is this calculator?
At 110 km/h and 23 °C, and at −10 °C, the model matches the efficiency data by calibration. Away from those points it is a physical estimate with typically ±10–15 % uncertainty, about ±20 % with a trailer. Driving style, tyres, weather and route profile can cause further deviations.