I know this topic gets talked about a lot, but I’m still trying to figure out how Ford calculates the estimated range. My truck has an estimated range of 320 miles. I know this is not entirely realistic, but I’m confused about how it comes up with the estimated range.
This morning, the truck was at 48% and showed 109 miles of range. If I calculate that for 100%, it would be about 228 miles.
I thought maybe the truck was using lifetime miles or something, but I only have 700 miles on it, mostly on the highway. My miles per kWh is 2.0, and if I apply that, it should show around 262 miles for a full charge.
When I check my Tesla, it always shows about 300 miles on a full charge, no matter the season. I know that’s not accurate, but it’s what it shows.
I’m trying to understand why Ford’s range estimate seems different from Tesla’s. Is it just considering cold weather or something that reduces the range?
How would I know if there’s an issue with my battery if the range is so low during winter?
Sorry if this question is already discussed, but I’m really trying to understand how this works.
The 320-mile EPA range estimate is based on a test cycle that combines both city and highway driving at an average of 47 MPH. The test is done under controlled conditions and adjusted to make it more realistic for real-world driving. Typically, if you drive under 55 MPH on a flat road with no wind in about 65°F weather, you should match or exceed the EPA estimate.
The truck’s range prediction system uses two methods to calculate your range:
If a destination is set in navigation, it assumes you will drive to that destination at the posted speed limit. It takes into account your current charge, temperature, weather, and elevation changes along the way. This estimate is fairly accurate if you stay at or below the speed limit. The biggest sources of error are speeding, wind, and sudden changes in temperature.
If no destination is set, it guesses based on your recent driving habits. It uses the average miles per kWh from the past few hundred miles and factors in your current charge and temperature. This guess can be off because it doesn’t account for your destination or elevation changes. It should get more accurate as you continue driving.
I’ve noticed that after towing for a while and then disconnecting, my range estimates drop much lower than they should be. The system assumes past driving patterns will continue, but that’s not always right.
I’m watching this topic too because I’d like to understand it better. It seems like when the weather gets colder, the range goes down. Driving habits play a part too, so if you drive aggressively in cold weather, you could be in trouble. I’m curious if anyone knows the exact details.
It sounds like we’re talking about highway range here. We need more details to give a better answer.
What’s the outside temperature?
What type of tires do you have (AT, Winter, OEM)?
What speed are you driving on the highway?
How windy was it during your trips?
Are the roads covered in snow?
700 miles of driving is still a small sample, and the truck might still be adjusting its range predictions. Ford says it tries to make the range estimate as realistic as possible, and yes, temperature does play a part.
EDIT: The range estimate won’t tell you about battery condition. If you’re only getting half the expected range under certain conditions, that could be a sign to check the battery. But just the range estimate doesn’t mean much.
About the Tesla showing 300 miles on a full charge, it seems Ford doesn’t try to oversell you like Tesla might. It looks like Ford’s system doesn’t take lifetime mi/kWh into account, which could cause big errors in winter or summer. I think it factors in weather and looks at the last X miles you’ve driven to make its estimate.
My mi/kWh average is around 2.0 too, but it dropped on a long trip with lots of highway driving at 72 MPH, against the wind, in 15-35°F temperatures. I’m hoping to see better results in warmer months when driving around town.
The battery stores energy, not miles, and that’s true for your Tesla as well. Tesla shows an ideal range, but Ford tries to guess based on driving history and temperature. It’s not a complicated issue. If your range is enough for your daily driving, then you’re fine.
@Blaise
I think I worded my question wrong, but that’s what I was trying to figure out. What exactly is included in Ford’s algorithm. It just didn’t seem to match my actual miles per kWh.
Parked in my garage in northern Wisconsin.ER battery. If you actually charge it up it the range will go back to a more ideal estimate. Most of us who have had truck for a bit have a good feel for our real range and don’t rely on Ford’s predicted range.
I’m curious if anyone knows the exact details.
