Services
Insurance
Repairs
Advice
About

What do they mean by the “range” of an electric car?

I’ve been looking around at different electric car models to compare them and have noticed they all have different “range ratings.” What is the “range” of an electric car?

avatar
Allison Stone · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
The
range estimate
or range rating of an electric car is kind of like the mileage rating on a gas-powered or hybrid car. It’s a number that helps potential buyers calculate how often they will need to refuel based on how much and where they drive.
Depending on the size of the battery and power of the motors, electric motors all have a limited number of miles they can go before needing a recharge or switching over to the gas-powered engine. The higher the range, the longer you’ll be able to go.
The EPA-rated range estimate is the number of miles an electric car is predicted to be able to travel on a single, full charge. Most BEVs can travel 200 miles on a full charge, while some higher-end models like the
Tesla Model S
can go for 400 miles or longer.
Unfortunately, these numbers generally do not factor in highway driving or that EV manufacturers recommend keeping cars charged between 20% and 80%. Other factors, like extreme temperatures, will also impact the vehicle’s range.
If you’re shopping around for an electric car and want to save money on your
car insurance
plan, download the
Jerry
app.
A licensed broker that offers end-to-end support, Jerry gathers affordable quotes, helps you switch plans, and will even help you cancel your old policy. The average user saves over $800 per year!
View full answer 
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings