The Truth About the Range of Electric Cars: 10 Top EVs and How Far They Actually Go on a Full Charge

Electric-Cars
27 Jun, 2025

With rising fuel prices and growing environmental concerns, electric vehicles (EVs) are quickly becoming a popular choice for many car buyers. One of the most important factors people consider before buying an EV is range—how far can an electric car go on a single charge?

While manufacturers often advertise long driving ranges, the real-world performance can be quite different due to factors like traffic, speed, terrain, air conditioning usage, and driving style. In this article, we reveal the truth about the range of 10 top electric cars based on real-world usage and test reports.

Why Real-World Range Is Different From Claimed Range?

Automakers usually test EVs under ideal conditions to get the best possible results. But in real life, things like:

City traffic and stop-go driving
Use of AC or heater
Fast acceleration
Hilly roads or highways
Vehicle load and tire pressure

can reduce the actual range by 15% to 30% or more.

Top 10 Electric Cars in India and Their Real-World Range

Here’s a comparison of claimed range vs. actual tested range for 10 popular EVs available in India:

Electric Car	Claimed Range (ARAI)	Tested Real-World Range
Tata Nexon EV Long Range	465 km	300–320 km
MG ZS EV	461 km	310–330 km
Hyundai Kona Electric	484 km	320–340 km
Tata Tiago EV (Long Range)	315 km	210–230 km
Mahindra XUV400	456 km	310–330 km
BYD Atto 3	521 km	370–390 km
Tata Punch EV Long Range	421 km	280–300 km
Citroen eC3	320 km	180–210 km
MG Comet EV	230 km	150–170 km
Kia EV6	708 km	500–520 km

What Do These Numbers Mean?

These figures show that most EVs offer only 65% to 75% of their claimed range in real-world usage. That means if a car claims to go 400 km, you should realistically expect around 260–300 km depending on how and where you drive.

Factors That Affect EV Range in Daily Life

Driving Speed: Higher speeds drain the battery faster.
AC and Heating: Using climate control systems reduces range.
Road Conditions: Hilly or rough roads require more energy.
Tyre Pressure: Low tyre pressure can lead to reduced efficiency.
Passenger Load: Heavier loads consume more power.

How to Maximize Your EV’s Range

Drive at moderate speeds.
Use regenerative braking efficiently.
Keep the tyres properly inflated.
Pre-cool or pre-heat the cabin while charging.
Avoid sudden acceleration and heavy braking.

While EVs are great for the environment and running costs, it’s important to understand their real-life limitations. Always plan your trips keeping the actual usable range in mind, not just the one printed in the brochure.

With better infrastructure, battery technology, and smart driving habits, the real-world range will continue to improve. But for now, be informed and realistic—know how far your EV can truly go on a single charge.