Roadtrip Ready: How Far Can Your Electric Car Really Go?
Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular in Singapore, and for good reason. They're environmentally friendly, quiet, and offer a smooth driving experience. But what about road trips? Can your electric car really take you the distance?
This guide explores the real-world range of electric vehicles (EVs), factors affecting battery life, and how to maximise distance per charge. We'll equip you with essential tips for long-distance travel in an electric vehicle, ensuring you can enjoy the journey without range anxiety. We'll also discuss how Income's eDrivo Car Insurance can protect your EV on your adventures.
What is the Range of an Electric Car?
The "range" of an electric car refers to the distance it can travel on a single full charge. This varies widely across different models, primarily due to factors such as battery capacity, efficiency, and vehicle design. Additionally, factors like driving conditions and terrain can impact the range as well. Most modern EVs offer between 200 to 400 kilometres on a full charge, with newer models pushing these limits even further thanks to advancements in battery technology.
How Far Can an Electric Car Go on a Full Charge?
In real-world driving conditions in Singapore, you can expect most electric cars to achieve a range of around 250 to 350 kilometres on a full charge. However, it's important to note that official manufacturer estimates may differ from actual experience due to the factors mentioned earlier.
How Long Does it Take To Fully Charge Your EV Car Battery?
Charging times for electric cars depend on the type of charger used:
- Public AC Charger: Can take 4 to 6 hours for a full charge.
- DC Fast Charger: Can charge an EV to 80% in 30 to 60 minutes.
When planning your EV road trip, consider the availability and charging speeds of charging stations along your route to avoid unnecessary delays.
Factors Affecting EV Car Battery Range
Several factors can influence your electric car's battery range:
- Driving Style: Smooth, steady driving conserves energy, while aggressive acceleration and braking consume more energy.
- Terrain: Hilly or mountainous terrain requires more energy, which can decrease the range.
- Weather: Extremely hot or cold temperatures affect battery performance, potentially reducing efficiency.
- Accessories: Running systems like air conditioning, heating, or entertainment features can consume additional power, shortening the distance you can travel.
- Battery Age and Health: Over time, battery capacity may decrease, leading to a reduced range.
By adopting efficient driving habits, planning your route carefully, and being mindful of external factors, you can maximise your EV's range before running out of battery.
EV Car Distances
Here are examples of typical ranges for popular electric car models in Singapore:
- Tesla Model 3: Approximately 350-450 kilometres
- Hyundai Kona Electric: Approximately 400-480 kilometres
- Kia Niro EV: Approximately 380-460 kilometres
- MG ZS EV: Approximately 320-400 kilometres
These figures provide a general idea of the distances you can expect to cover on a single charge under typical driving conditions.
Things to Consider Before Your EV Trip
Proper planning is essential for a smooth and enjoyable electric car road trip. Consider the following:
- Charging Infrastructure: Research charging station locations along your route using apps or online resources. Consider charging speeds and availability at different locations. Plan your stops strategically to avoid running out of charge.
- Route Planning: Factor in terrain and elevation changes, as they can affect energy consumption. Choose routes with ample charging opportunities, especially for longer journeys. Utilise navigation apps with EV-specific features to optimise your route and locate charging stations.
- Weather Conditions: Extreme temperatures can impact battery performance. Plan for longer charging times in cold weather or reduced range in hot weather.
- Driving Style: Adopt smooth driving habits to conserve energy. Avoid excessive acceleration and braking. Utilise regenerative braking to recapture energy.
- Vehicle Preparation: Ensure your EV is in good condition before embarking on a long trip. Check tyre pressure and alignment for optimal efficiency. Pack light to reduce overall weight and improve range.
Stay Protected With EV Insurance
Comprehensive car insurance is essential for any electric vehicle owner, not just for road trips but for everyday peace of mind. Income Insurance’s eDrivo Car Insurance is designed specifically for electric vehicles, offering coverage for EV-specific risks like battery damage and charging equipment issues. Here are some key benefits of eDrivo Car Insurance:
- 24/7 Referral Services for Road and Medical Assistance in West Malaysia1: With our 24-hour referral services for road and medical assistance, you can travel in West Malaysia feeling more assured.
- Emergency Mobile Rescue2: If your car battery runs out of charge on the road, we will arrive at the scene and provide DC fast charging up to 20% capacity so you can drive to the nearest charging station. Enjoy access to this service as a policyholder. You can call +65 8102 6148 for 24/7 assistance.
- Roadside Assistance and Wellness Cover at an additional S$8.72/year: Opt for our roadside assistance and wellness cover and get reimbursed up to $200 reimbursement3 per insured year for non-accidental vehicle breakdowns. If you suffer any facial injuries during an accident, fret not. We provide coverage of up to $1,000 cosmetic reconstructive surgery expenses4 per insured year. And if you are expecting a little one, you can claim up to $10,000 in personal accident coverage5 and the additional cover of up to $1,000 for pregnancy-related medical expenses or cosmetic reconstructive surgery expenses coverage in the event of an accident4.
- Add-on coverage for your private electric vehicle charging station: We cover up to $5,0006 for the cost incurred in the event of accidental damages, including fire and other external causes7.
Take the first step towards protecting your electric vehicle today. Visit Income Insurance and get a quote to ensure you have the right coverage for your electric journey with eDrivo Car Insurance!
1 The 24-hour referral services for road and medical assistance are available within Peninsular Malaysia which includes Penang and Langkawi but excludes the rest of the islands. This service is applicable for Income Private Car Insurance Policyholders only.^
2 Emergency Mobile Rescue
- We are entitled to modify or alter the manner this service is delivered without notice.
- This service is provided within the Republic of Singapore.
- Service charge to replace the punctured tyre.
- This benefit is applicable to you only one time per period of insurance. Subsequent usage will be chargeable.
- This benefit is not applicable for AC charging cars.^
3 Roadside Breakdown Assistance Benefit
If your vehicle cannot be driven due to any puncture to its tyre(s) or any mechanical or electrical breakdown and not due to an accident involving your vehicle, we will pay you the reasonable expenses incurred on site up to $200 once for each period of insurance for the following services rendered:
- Service charge to replace the defective batteries.
- Service charge to replace the punctured tyre.
- Towing fee incurred to tow the vehicle to the policyholder’s preferred workshop.
- Any other services charges necessarily incurred on site arising out of the breakdown.
The costs of replacing any vehicle parts, including batteries and tyres, are not covered by this benefit.
If the vehicle breaks down, you have to contact a breakdown service provider to assist you. To submit your claim for this benefit, you must provide the following within 30 days of the breakdown:
- Claim form.
- Photographic evidence of the service(s) provided on site.
- Tax invoice/ Receipt with details on the type of services performed by the service provider and payment made. ^
4 Additional Medical Expenses
We will pay you a further sum of up to $1,000 for reasonable medical expenses which you have paid due to an accident involving your vehicle while you are the driver of, or a passenger, for the following treatments:
- Your pregnancy related check-up or treatment necessitated and due to the accident; or
- Your cosmetic (aesthetic, plastic surgery or dental treatment, or any treatment) reconstructive surgery.
We will only pay the cosmetic reconstructive benefit if the treatment is carried out:
a. to restore any loss of function or change in appearance due to an injury or a condition sustained by you as a result of an accident involving your vehicle;
b. within 30 days after the date of the accident; and
c. by a medical practitioner registered under the Medical Registration Act 1997. This benefit is only payable to you once per period of insurance and provided you have a claim which is paid or payable by us under Section 1 of your policy.^
5 Additional Personal Accident Benefits
We will pay you or your personal representative the amount shown in the scale of compensation for death or bodily injury arising out of an accident while you are the driver of, or a passenger in, your vehicle.
Scale of compensation:
a. Death - $10,000
b. Total and permanent loss of all sight in both eyes - $10,000
c. Total loss by physical severance at or above the wrist or ankle of both hands or both feet or of one hand together with one foot - $10,000
d. Total loss by physical severance at or above the wrist or ankle of one hand or one foot together with the total and permanent loss of all sight in one eye - $10,000
e. Total and permanent loss of all sight in one eye - $5,000
f. Total loss by physical severance at or above wrist or ankle of one hand or one foot - $5,000
We will only pay one of the items listed from a to f above for any one accident. If you die and/or suffer several injuries, we will only pay for the one item that provides the highest compensation. Our maximum limit that we will pay for any one accident is $10,000.
If you have more than one private car policy with us, we will pay under one of the policies only.
This benefit applies to a policyholder who is pregnant at the material time of the accident.
We will not pay you any compensation if the loss or injury is not listed in the scale of compensation.^
6 Liability for damage to property, injury or death to any third party is excluded.
7 We will pay you for loss or damage to your private electric charging station caused by:
- Accidental collision;
- Fire, external explosion, lightning, burglary, housebreaking and theft;
- Malicious act by a third party;
- Strike, riot, or civil commotion;
- Flood, typhoon; hurricane, volcanic eruption, earthquake, or other natural disaster.
This benefit is applicable to you only one time per period of insurance.
This article is meant purely for informational purposes and does not constitute an offer, recommendation, solicitation or advise to buy or sell any product(s). It should not be relied upon as financial advice. The precise terms, conditions and exclusions of any Income Insurance products mentioned are specified in their respective policy contracts. Please seek independent financial advice before making any decision.
These policies are protected under the Policy Owners’ Protection Scheme which is administered by the Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation (SDIC). Coverage for your policy is automatic and no further action is required from you. For more information on the types of benefits that are covered under the scheme as well as the limits of coverage, where applicable, please contact Income Insurance or visit the GIA/LIA or SDIC websites (www.gia.org.sg or www.lia.org.sg or www.sdic.org.sg).
This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
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