EV Range and Battery

An electric vehicle’s (EV) range indicates just how far it can go on a single charge. Many variables factor into how range is calculated, including battery capacity and charge level, driving habits and conditions, and even weather.

Let’s explore how to get the most out of your EV range.

What is the Range of a Solterra?

On average, most electric vehicles have an EV range of more than 100 miles on a single charge. However, when determining how many miles an electric car can go, it’s important to remember the various factors that play a role in range potential—as well as all the features a particular EV offers.

For example, the Subaru Solterra EV SUV delivers a competitive range that can accommodate a variety of driving needs, while prioritizing safety and comfort. Designed to handle the most challenging terrains and weather conditions with the same ease and excitement as any combustion engine vehicle, the Solterra is built to provide sustainable power on your daily commute or adventuring on the open road.

So, how far does the Subaru Solterra go on a full charge? Its EPA-estimated range of up to 227 miles is a testament to the powerful capabilities and advanced features packed into Solterra. This range supports our renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system along with other key adventure-ready off-road and safety features like X-MODE^® with Hill Descent Control—features that provide the kind of unparalleled traction and stability not often found in EVs.

What Impacts EV Range?

Multiple factors and variables can affect the range of an electric car – including some that may change from trip to trip. To better understand what to expect from your EV and how to plan your drives most efficiently, keep the following factors in mind:

Battery size: The capacity of your battery pack, in kilowatt hours (kWh), plays a role in determining EV range. Higher kWh often, but not always, correspond with higher range for an EV.
Weight of vehicle: A vehicle’s total weight – including passengers, cargo or towing – impacts range. Carrying multiple passengers, packed luggage, or other heavy cargo means that more energy is required to power the vehicle forward and can eat into an EV’s range.
Outdoor temperature: EV batteries are sensitive to extreme temperatures. Excessive hot or cold weather requires other systems within the vehicle to work harder, meaning battery efficiency and range can take a hit.
Driving speed and style: Typically, driving at higher speeds requires more energy to maintain. Additionally, aggressive, constant acceleration and deceleration/stopping can waste kinetic energy that could otherwise have been redirected back into the battery through regenerative braking.
Terrain: Trekking over hilly or mountainous areas, or across other challenging terrain like slippery roads, can require more power to scale and maintain proper traction. This can increase energy consumption and deplete your battery faster.
Tire condition: Tires that are properly inflated and replaced regularly as the treads wear can support better efficiency and range.
Interior climate control: Using heating or cooling systems while driving at high levels, particularly in order to counter extreme weather, can drain an EV’s battery faster.

How to Optimize Your Range

With some thoughtful driving practices to optimize your energy use, you can maximize the range potential of your EV. Here are a few recommendations for extending battery life.

Focus on driving smoothly, maintaining steady speeds, and coasting whenever possible to encourage redirection of kinetic energy back into the battery.
Avoid overloading your EV with unnecessary cargo or loads to reduce overall weight.
Use your EV’s Eco Mode (if equipped) to engage optimized power pre-settings to conserve battery usage.
Pre-condition the cabin during extreme heat or cold weather to bring the interior to a comfortable temperature while still plugged in. Many EVs, including the Subaru Solterra, are equipped with remote start capability, making cabin pre-conditioning as simple as opening your smartphone app.
Park in covered or shaded areas when you can — especially during excessively hot or cold conditions — to limit extreme temperature fluctuations.
Assess your EV’s condition periodically, making sure to perform recommended factory service and keep tires properly inflated.

Keep Your Battery Happy

As with any devices or electronics powered by a rechargeable battery, EVs perform at their best and over the longest time when properly taken care of. Likewise, taking care of your EV battery will help it to reach its optimal range and efficiency:

Avoid letting the battery deplete completely.
Opt for Level 1 and Level 2 EV charging whenever possible. Reserve fast charging (at Level 3/DCFC stations) for when you really need it.
When you must fast-charge, avoid charging over 80% unless you need the extra range for a longer trip.
To accommodate regular/daily use, keep your EV plugged in to its Level 1 or Level 2 home charger.
Limit your battery’s/EV’s exposure to extreme temperatures.
Install regular software updates as they become available from the manufacturer.

Solterra: The Electric Subaru SUV

The Subaru Solterra, our first all-electric offering, is as much an SUV as it is an EV, making it an exciting, adventure-ready companion for anyone looking to reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing the rugged handling capabilities Subaru is known for.

Bringing even more excitement to the driving experience, the 2024 model year Solterra received noteworthy upgrades, including an enhanced battery conditioning system to enable safer, more efficient charging in cold weather and faster fast charging capabilities using DCFC.

Explore the 2024 Subaru Solterra.