The Main Factors that Affect the Mileage of a Volkswagen EV

What to Consider Before Shopping for a VW Electric Car for Sale in the Kansas City Area

Last year the country learned a very hard lesson – gas prices can soar without warning.

For those who were allowed to work from home during that time, the high gas prices didn’t hit too hard. However, there was a large percentage of Americans who weren’t afforded that luxury, and their daily commute suddenly became more expensive than ever before. In fact, some news stations reported that certain truck and SUV drivers were paying more than $100 per tank.

While some drivers took a “grin and bear it” attitude, other vehicle owners started investigating their options. Electric vehicles got a lot of searches from disgruntled drivers who were tired of getting gouged on gasoline. Of course, when making the switch from a traditional to an electric vehicle, drivers are still at the mercy of a finite resource – the battery.

For instance, the VW ID.4 Pro model – the all-electric Volkswagen EV – gets up to 275 miles on a single charge. However, the words “up to” indicate that 275 miles is the max range, and not necessarily the standard. To provide some clarity on what to expect when switching over to an EV, the following are the top factors that affect maximum driving range.

#1 – Battery Age

EV batteries are similar to cell phone batteries in that the older the battery is, the less efficiently you can expect it to work. As EV batteries age, their maximum charge capacity decreases. Experts report that EV batteries lose as much as two percent max charge capacity per year.

#2 – Charge Status

Another main determinant of range is how much charge is left on the battery. Your charge percentage directly correlates with how much mileage you’ll get out of the vehicle. Keep in mind, some EV batteries are specifically designed to not go above a certain charge percentage for the sake of sustainability.

#3 – Road Conditions and Topography

EV batteries are designed to recover when rolling downhill and braking. In fact, it’s possible to arrive at the bottom of a long downhill slope with more battery percentage than what you started with. Conversely, a steep uphill drive in challenging conditions, like snow, mud, or ice, will quickly drain your battery.

#4 – Cargo Weight

Adding cargo weight such as luggage and passengers means that your EV must work harder to carry the extra load. If you’re carrying hundreds of extra pounds in your Volkswagen EV, be prepared for lower battery efficiency.

#5 – Wind

Driving straight into a strong headwind means that your EV will have to work a little harder to push through it. Comparatively, a tailwind will help your Volkswagen EV conserve battery life.

#6 – Tires

Having all four tires at the correct PSI is critical when it comes to battery. Make sure that your tires aren’t low on air or else you might not get optimal driving range.

#7 – Driving Style

If you’re flooring it and pushing your Volkswagen EV to its absolute limit, you’re going to see your battery deplete at a faster rate. You can conserve your battery by sticking to the speed limit and being mindful of how you accelerate during merges or at green lights.

#8 – Weather

Nothing affects the efficiency of a battery quite like cold weather. Your battery won’t be able to hold a charge as well, which can make cross-country winter road trips a bit of a chore. It’s also worth noting that using the heat to keep the cabin warm further draws battery power.

Looking for a Volkswagen EV Near You? Visit Your Local Volkswagen Dealership in Kansas City!

Now that you know the main factors of what affects the mileage of an EV, you will be better prepared when planning long trips and your weekly commutes. Although there are several factors that affect an EV’s battery efficiency, what’s important to keep in mind is that most of the items on the list also affect vehicles with combustion engines.

Kelley Blue Book estimates that the average person driving 1,058 miles per month spends approximately $56 every four weeks to charge their vehicle at home. Compare that to a driver who needs to fill their tank two or three times to get the same mileage, and you can get an idea of the savings.

Finding a new electric vehicle in Lee’s Summit could very well be your path to lower cost of ownership, especially if gas prices significantly increase again. The best way to see if making the switch to a Volkswagen EV is the right move for you is by taking a test drive of the VW ID.4.

This future-forward electric vehicle was the winner of the 2021 World Car of the Year Award and was named one of Wards 10 Best User Experiences. To arrange a test drive of the brand-new 2023 edition, simply reach out to the team at VW Lee’s Summit and we’ll set one aside for you. If you decide the ID.4 is the one for you, the VW finance team will be happy to help you secure an auto loan. You can also get a $7,500 credit on the ID.4 if you go with a lease option.

Visit VW Lee’s Summit today at 2225 NE Independence Ave to inquire about a Volkswagen EV or traditional vehicle. You can also reach out to us with questions or to set an appointment by calling (816) 841-7253 or via email using our contact form.

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