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Wouldn't it make sense for EVs to have longer range rather than more power?
As range anxiety remains a concern, why do manufacturers make EVs so powerful? Surely less powerful motors would extend range for the same battery size?
Asked on 15 January 2025 by Michael Baybutt
Answered by
David Ross
In the same way that a petrol or diesel engine will consume more fuel the harder it is driven, an electric vehicle will consume more electrical energy the harder it is driven, so in a like-for-like situation where two vehicles share the same weight, battery size and aerodynamics, a more powerful motor would potentially consume a fraction more energy than a smaller one, but offer a considerably less enjoyable driving experience. A larger electric motor is also better at regeneration, so any savings could easily be wiped out by a reduction in regeneration efficiency. Most EV manufacturers provide a choice of power outputs and battery sizes to give customers the balance of performance and range they are looking for, just as with petrol and diesel engines.
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