Highway vs City Range

How It Works

Unlike gas cars that get better MPG on the highway, EVs are actually more efficient in city driving. This is because EVs recapture energy through regenerative braking during stops and slowdowns, while gas engines waste fuel idling. In city driving, an EV might achieve 4.0-4.5 mi/kWh, while highway driving at 70 mph might only yield 3.0-3.5 mi/kWh. The difference is primarily due to aerodynamic drag, which increases with the square of speed. At 80 mph, air resistance is 50% higher than at 65 mph. One-pedal driving with strong regenerative braking can recapture 15-25% of the energy used in stop-and-go city driving. If most of your driving is urban, you may get significantly more range than the EPA rating suggests.