95% of Americans drive less than 50 km a day, but demand for EVs with a range of 483 km

A range of 300 miles (483 km) on a single charge is the magic figure for electric car buyers in the US.

A third of 5,500 Americans polled by a Bloomberg survey say a range of more than 300 miles is enough for their needs. And less than 10% said they would operate over a range of 200 miles (322 km).

Interestingly, 95% of people in the US drive an average of 30 miles (50 km) or less a day.

In 2021, people surveyed by Cox Automotive said they wanted an electric car to have a range of 341 miles (550 km) on a full charge. Stephanie Valdez-Street, director of EV research and development at Cox Automotive Mobility, says, “As people are getting educated about EVs, they are beginning to realize that a vehicle with a range of 400 miles is not needed.”

So far though, companies have been responding to expectations that are out of bounds for Americans. Most of the EVs on the market are coming with bigger, longer-lasting batteries and smaller models are dying out. More than 80 EV models available in the US come with a range of at least 200 miles.

Buying a car with overcapacity is a tradition in America. American malls also prefer to visit Hummer. He has the same thinking about EVs as well. However, buyers hardly get the benefit of the range that they spend thousands of dollars for.

According to a recent survey by Bloomberg NEF, the average cost of battery packs to auto companies comes to $118 (Rs 9,617) per kilowatt-hour. A 91-kilowatt-hour battery will cost around Rs 9 lakh and weigh around 500 kg. Experts believe that it is not right to use a car with such an expensive battery only for buying vegetables and groceries.