Energy
Visualizing the Range of Electric Cars vs. Gas-Powered Cars
Subscribe to the Elements free mailing list for more like this
The Range of Electric Cars vs. Gas-Powered Cars
This was originally posted on Elements. Sign up to the free mailing list to get beautiful visualizations on natural resource megatrends in your email every week.
EV adoption has grown rapidly in recent years, but many prospective buyers still have doubts about electric car ranges.
In fact, 33% of new car buyers chose range anxiety—the concern about how far an EV can drive on a full charge—as their top inhibitor to purchasing electric cars in a survey conducted by EY.
So, how far can the average electric car go on one charge, and how does that compare with the typical range of gas-powered cars?
The Rise in EV Ranges
Thanks to improvements in battery technology, the average range of electric cars has more than doubled over the last decade, according to data from the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Year | Avg. EV Range | Maximum EV Range |
---|---|---|
2010 | 79 miles (127 km) | N/A |
2011 | 86 miles (138 km) | 94 miles (151 km) |
2012 | 99 miles (159 km) | 265 miles (426 km) |
2013 | 117 miles (188 km) | 265 miles (426 km) |
2014 | 130 miles (209 km) | 265 miles (426 km) |
2015 | 131 miles (211 km) | 270 miles (435 km) |
2016 | 145 miles (233 km) | 315 miles (507 km) |
2017 | 151 miles (243 km) | 335 miles (539 km) |
2018 | 189 miles (304 km) | 335 miles (539 km) |
2019 | 209 miles (336 km) | 370 miles (595 km) |
2020 | 210 miles (338 km) | 402 miles (647 km) |
2021 | 217 miles (349 km) | 520 miles* (837 km) |
*Max range for EVs offered in the United States.
Source: IEA, U.S. DOE
As of 2021, the average battery-powered EV could travel 217 miles (349 km) on a single charge. It represents a 44% increase from 151 miles (243 km) in 2017 and a 152% increase relative to a decade ago.
Despite the steady growth, EVs still fall short when compared to gas-powered cars. For example, in 2021, the median gas car range (on one full tank) in the U.S. was around 413 miles (664 km)—nearly double what the average EV would cover.
As automakers roll out new models, electric car ranges are likely to continue increasing and could soon match those of their gas-powered counterparts. It’s important to note that EV ranges can change depending on external conditions.
What Affects EV Ranges?
In theory, EV ranges depend on battery capacity and motor efficiency, but real-world results can vary based on several factors:
- Weather: At temperatures below 20℉ (-6.7℃), EVs can lose around 12% of their range, rising to 41% if heating is turned on inside the vehicle.
- Operating Conditions: Thanks to regenerative braking, EVs may extend their maximum range during city driving.
- Speed: When driving at high speeds, EV motors spin faster at a less efficient rate. This may result in range loss.
On the contrary, when driven at optimal temperatures of about 70℉ (21.5℃), EVs can exceed their rated range, according to an analysis by Geotab.
The 10 Longest-Range Electric Cars in America
Here are the 10 longest-range electric cars available in the U.S. as of 2022, based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) range estimates:
Car | Range On One Full Charge | Estimated Base Price |
---|---|---|
Lucid Air | 520 miles (837 km) | $170,500 |
Tesla Model S | 405 miles (652 km) | $106,190 |
Tesla Model 3 | 358 miles (576 km) | $59,440 |
Mercedes EQS | 350 miles (563 km) | $103,360 |
Tesla Model X | 348 miles (560 km) | $122,440 |
Tesla Model Y | 330 miles (531 km) | $67,440 |
Hummer EV | 329 miles (529 km) | $110,295 |
BMW iX | 324 miles (521 km) | $84,195 |
Ford F-150 Lightning | 320 miles (515 km) | $74,169 |
Rivian R1S | 316 miles (509 km) | $70,000 |
Source: Car and Driver
The top-spec Lucid Air offers the highest range of any EV with a price tag of $170,500, followed by the Tesla Model S. But the Tesla Model 3 offers the most bang for your buck if range and price are the only two factors in consideration.
Energy
5 Ways Nuclear Power Can Enable an Energy Utopia
From clean electricity to high reliability, this graphic explores the five key advantages of nuclear power in the clean energy transition.


5 Ways Nuclear Power Can Enable an Energy Utopia
The phrase Energy utopia describes a hypothetical and sustainable state of the world where energy is clean, affordable, and accessible.
Despite the challenges on the road to achieving an energy utopia, such a state is attainable if the world invests in clean, reliable technologies that can meet our rising energy needs—and nuclear power is one such technology.
This infographic sponsored by CanAlaska Uranium explores five ways nuclear power can unlock a state of energy utopia. This is Part 2 of 4 in the Road to Energy Utopia series.
#1: High Reliability
Nuclear power plants run 24/7 and are the most reliable source of sustainable energy.
Nuclear electricity generation remains steady around the clock throughout the day, week, and year. Meanwhile, daily solar generation peaks in the afternoon when electricity demand is usually lower, and wind generation depends on wind speeds.
As the use of variable solar and wind power increases globally, nuclear offers a stable and reliable backbone for a clean electricity grid.
#2: Clean Electricity
Nuclear reactors use fission to generate electricity without any greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Consequently, nuclear power is the cleanest energy source on a lifecycle basis, measured in CO2-equivalent emissions per gigawatt-hour (GWh) of electricity produced by a power plant over its lifetime.
The lifecycle emissions from a typical nuclear power plant are 273 times lower than coal and 163 times lower than natural gas. Furthermore, nuclear is relatively less resource-intensive, allowing for lower supply chain emissions than wind and solar plants.
#3: Stable Affordability
Although nuclear plants can be expensive to build, they are cost-competitive in the long run.
Most nuclear plants have an initial lifetime of around 40 years, after which they can continue operating with approved lifetime extensions. Nuclear plants with lifetime extensions are the cheapest sources of electricity in the United States, and 88 of the country’s 92 reactors have received approvals for 20-year extensions.
Additionally, according to the World Nuclear Association, nuclear plants are relatively less susceptible to fuel price volatility than natural gas plants, allowing for stable costs of electricity generation.
#4: Energy Efficiency
Nuclear’s high energy return on investment (EROI) exemplifies its exceptional efficiency.
EROI measures how many units of energy are returned for every unit invested in building and running a power plant, over its lifetime. According to a 2018 study by Weissbach et al., nuclear’s EROI is 75 units, making it the most efficient energy source by some distance, with hydropower ranking second at 35 units.
#5: Sustainable Innovation
New, advanced reactor designs are bypassing many of the difficulties faced by traditional nuclear plants, making nuclear power more accessible.
- Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are much smaller than conventional reactors and are modular—meaning that their components can be transported and assembled in different locations.
- Microreactors are smaller than SMRs and are designed to provide electricity in remote and small market areas. They can also serve as backup power sources during emergencies.
These reactor designs offer several advantages, including lower initial capital costs, portability, and increased scalability.
A Nuclear-Powered Future
Nuclear power is making a remarkable comeback as countries work to achieve climate goals and ultimately, a state of energy utopia.
Besides the 423 reactors in operation worldwide, another 56 reactors are under construction, and at least 69 more are planned for construction. Some nations, like Japan, have also reversed their attitudes toward nuclear power, embracing it as a clean and reliable energy source for the future.
CanAlaska is a leading exploration company in the Athabasca Basin, the Earth’s richest uranium depository. Click here to learn more now.
In part 3 of the Road to Energy Utopia series, we explore the unique properties of uranium, the fuel that powers nuclear reactors.

-
Central Banks2 hours ago
Which Countries Hold the Most U.S. Debt?
Foreign investors hold $7.3 trillion of the national U.S. debt. These holdings declined 6% in 2022 amid a strong U.S. dollar and rising rates.
-
Stocks2 days ago
Visualizing 90 Years of Stock and Bond Portfolio Performance
How have investment returns for different portfolio allocations of stocks and bonds compared over the last 90 years?
-
Economy2 days ago
Visualizing the Link Between Unemployment and Recessions
This infographic examines 50 years of data to highlight a clear visual trend: recessions are preceded by a cyclical low in unemployment.
-
Demographics4 days ago
Mapped: The World’s Happiest Countries in 2023
Where do the happiest people on earth live? This map is a snapshot of the world’s most (and least) happy countries in 2023.
-
Money1 week ago
The Richest People in the World in 2023
The world’s five richest people are worth a combined $729 billion. From luxury moguls to Asia’s rising titans, we show the richest in 2023.
-
Central Banks1 week ago
Charted: 30 Years of Central Bank Gold Demand
Globally, central banks bought a record 1,136 tonnes of gold in 2022. How has central bank gold demand changed over the last three decades?
-
Africa3 weeks ago
Ranked: Who Are the Richest People in Africa?
-
Datastream1 week ago
Will Connected Cars Break the Internet?
-
Energy3 weeks ago
Mapped: Asia’s Biggest Sources of Electricity by Country
-
Money1 week ago
Mapped: Minimum Wage Around the World
-
Finance2 weeks ago
Ranked: The World’s Most Valuable Bank Brands (2019-2023)
-
Central Banks1 week ago
Charted: 30 Years of Central Bank Gold Demand
-
Markets4 weeks ago
Retail Investors’ Most Popular Stocks of 2023 So Far
-
VC+2 weeks ago
NEW FEATURE: Unlock the VC+ Archive in March