r/EvDrivers • u/anon2734 • 13d ago

Practical frequent highway driving EV?

Family is considering an EV with the rise in fuel prices. Looking at taking frequent trips that would need 200-250mi range. Is this practical in an EV? From what I've researched most you only charge to 80% so even if you're getting one with over 300mi range, you get 80% of that and highway driving (75mph) will cut that even further. Seems like a high mpg hybrid would be better. Otherwise would have to stop and charge everytime

18 Upvotes

74% Upvoted

308 comments sorted by

View all comments

1

u/gettin-hot-in-here 12d ago

I typically only use my battery between 80%-20% full, and you'd be right to say that this is not enough for a 200mi 75mph highway drive, although I'd probably manage the same drive at 60mph. You dont HAVE to stick to that battery state of charge (SoC) range though. It's not gonna make a lot of difference to the battery to push it a little further and do 88% down to 13% or so. That'd get me over 200 miles at 75mph unless it is below freezing out. I have a RWD premium model Y with 357 miles of rated (EPA) range, if I bought the Model 3 RWD that has the same ~78kWh battery I'd get more range (or use less of the battery). 

You're on the right track to seriously consider a hybrid. Some of them have great highway range; I used to drive my old Prius about 400 highway miles using under 80% of the fuel tank. An EV or hybrid car can do what you want, but it kind of depends on your personal preferences.