Why Does My EV Range Drop So Quickly on the Freeway? The Blunt Truth for Aussie Drivers.

Flat batteries are NOT fun.

You’re cruising down the Hume, battery fully charged, and suddenly—your range plummets. Why does your electric vehicle (EV) lose range so quickly on the freeway? You’re not imagining it. It’s not a software glitch. It’s physics, mate. And it’s a problem every Australian EV driver faces, from Sydney to Perth.

The Freeway Range Drop: Not a Bug, a Feature

Here’s the cold, hard truth: EVs are less efficient at high speeds. The faster you go, the quicker you chew through your battery. On the freeway, your EV’s range can drop by 10–30% compared to city driving. That’s not a typo. And it’s not just your car—it’s every EV on the road.

Why? Simple. Aerodynamic drag. At 110 km/h, wind resistance doesn’t just increase—it explodes. Drag rises with the square of your speed. Double your speed, quadruple the drag. Petrol cars suffer too, but their engines are tuned for highway cruising. EVs? Not so much. They’re built for stop-start city traffic, where regenerative braking gives you back some juice every time you slow down.

On the freeway, you’re not braking. You’re just pushing through a wall of air, burning electrons with every kilometre. No regen. No mercy.

Why “EV Range” Tanks on the Freeway

Let’s hammer this home. “EV range” is the number everyone stares at on their dash. But that number is a lie—at least on the highway. The official range figures are a blend of city and highway conditions, tested at moderate speeds with minimal air con and no hills. Real-world Aussie highways? They’re a different beast.

• Speed kills EV range. At 110 km/h, expect to lose 15–25% of your rated range. Push it to 120 km/h (not that you should), and you’ll burn even more.

• No regenerative braking. In the city, every red light is a chance to claw back some range. On the freeway, it’s all loss, no gain.

• Wind and hills. A stiff headwind or a long climb over the Great Dividing Range? Watch your range nosedive.

• Air con and heating. Crank the climate control in summer or winter, and you’ll lose another 10–20%.

The Aussie Angle: Our Roads, Our Problem

This isn’t just a European or American issue. Australia’s vast distances, high speed limits, and brutal climate make “EV range” anxiety a national sport. Our highways are long, empty, and unforgiving. Charging stations? Still too far apart. And when your range drops faster than a Wallabies scrum, you’re left sweating it out at the next roadhouse.

What Can You Do? Don’t Be a Muppet—Drive Smart

• Slow down. Drop to 100 km/h. You’ll save range—and maybe your sanity.

• Plan your stops. Use apps to find chargers before you’re desperate.

• Lighten the load. Leave the kitchen sink at home. Every kilo counts.

• Check your tyres. Under-inflated tyres = wasted range.

• Go easy on the air con. Open a window, wear a hat, or just sweat it out.

What’s the biggest factor killing your EV range on Aussie highways?

• 0%High speed and wind resistance
• 0%Lack of regenerative braking
• 0%Air con and heating use
• 0%Heavy loads and passengers

You can vote for more than one answer.

The Real Fix: Demand Better

Let’s not sugarcoat it. The government’s 150 km charging station spacing is a joke. Carmakers need to stop boasting about “EV range” and start publishing real highway numbers. We need more chargers, better infrastructure, and honest info. Australians deserve an EV experience that doesn’t leave us stranded in the outback.

Final Word: Own It

You want to drive electric in Australia? Good on you. But don’t let the range drop on the freeway catch you out. Know the limits. Drive smart. Demand better. Because “EV range” isn’t just a number—it’s your ticket home.

Drive Change. Drive Electric