I got a Lightning Flash last month, which comes with the extended-range battery as standard, with an EPA-estimated range of 320 miles. I’ve driven around 1,500 miles so far, and the highest estimate I’ve seen for a full charge is 250 miles. I took it on a 1,000-mile long drive, and the truck is parked outside in temperatures as low as 40°F. I’m thinking the lower-than-expected range is due to my long drive, but please advise if I should be concerned.
To reach the EPA range of 320 miles, you’d need an efficiency of 2.4+ miles per kWh. This is hard to achieve in colder temperatures and at highway speeds over 65 mph. Unfortunately, that’s just how EV range works.
@Linden
Agreed, and colder weather makes it even worse. I drove in 10°F yesterday, going 40–60 mph due to visibility, and my best efficiency was 1.7 mi/kWh.
If you drive 1,500 miles in the city, with low speeds, gentle starts, and stops, you’ll probably get closer to the 320-mile estimate.
Factors that improve range:
- City driving at 25-45 mph.
- Limited or no HVAC use, especially in spring or fall.
- Driving downhill or net decrease in elevation.
- Battery starting out at an optimal temperature (~70°F).
Factors that reduce range:
- Cold weather.
- Highway speeds above 65 mph.
- Towing or heavy loads.
- Driving uphill or net increase in elevation.
This is normal for EVs. Range estimates favor city driving and moderate temperatures. Highway speeds, colder temperatures, and heavy HVAC use reduce range significantly. Preconditioning your battery before driving and slowing down can help.
The EPA range assumes an average speed of 47 mph in ideal conditions. Highway speeds, heating or cooling, and inclines will reduce range. Gas vehicles face similar challenges, though EVs feel the effects more due to battery heating requirements.
EPA testing is done at an average of 47 mph in a controlled lab setting. In reality, highway driving and cold temps reduce efficiency. I’ve averaged 2.3 mi/kWh over 30,000 miles, giving me around 300 miles on a full charge. Cold weather brings that down to 1.9 mi/kWh for short trips.
Precondition your battery when possible and keep your highway speed under 65 mph. This Ford Lightning guide helped me a lot.
Don’t forget terrain and wind. A headwind or lots of uphill driving can significantly impact range.