How much energy does an electric car use?

An electric car’s energy use depends on a few things: the model, your driving style, the weather, road conditions and speed. It’s usually quoted in kilowatt-hours per 100 kilometres (kWh/100 km).

Real-world consumption can swing quite a bit with how and where you drive. Around town it’s often lower; on the motorway—especially at higher speeds—it takes more energy.

How heating affects consumption

An EV’s electric heater draws different amounts of power depending on the outside temperature and the car. As a rule of thumb, it adds around 1–5 kWh per 100 km.

How air conditioning affects consumption

Air conditioning generally uses less power than heating, but consumption still depends on the outside temperature and your chosen cabin temperature.

Here too, heat pumps help trim consumption, particularly in moderate conditions.