EV Myth: Electric cars and used electric cars have insufficient range
In this article, we dispel the myth that used electric cars have too little range. You will learn how far you can really go, why you don't need to worry about battery wear and tear, and why charging is not a hassle.
We answer the following questions:
- What is the range of an electric car?
- Is the range of an electric car sufficient for Switzerland?
- So how often would you have to charge your electric car per month if you commute by car?
- Do electric cars lose range when they are second-hand?
- Summary: Range is not an issue
Myth 1: Used electric cars have too little range
In short:
Used electric cars hardly lose any range. After 300,000 kilometres, the range is reduced by 15-20%.
Modern electric cars can travel between 250 and 500 kilometres per charge on average when new (depending on the model). After 300,000 kilometres (!), that's still 200-400 kilometres.
In Switzerland, an average of 33 kilometres are driven per day. This means charging once every 2-3 weeks, regardless of whether you have a new or used electric car.
There are over 12,000 public charging points in Switzerland. Fast charging to 80% usually takes only 30 minutes. This can easily be done while shopping, taking a break from driving or overnight.
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What is the range of an electric car?
One of the most common (but actually unfounded) concerns about electric cars is their range. When the first electric cars came onto the market, their ranges were indeed not exactly impressive. For example, the Nissan Leaf had a range of 120 km at the time. While this is still sufficient for everyday driving, it is simply not enough for long distances. Today, the situation is quite different. Electric cars have long ranges, which are more than sufficient, especially for a smaller country like Switzerland.
| Car model | Type of car | Range (WLTP) | Tesla Model Y (Long Range) | SUV (medium) | Up to 514 - 533 km |
|---|---|---|
| BMW iX1 | SUV (small) | Up to 430 - 474 km |
| Skoda Enyaq | SUV (large) | Up to 560 km |
| Audi Q4 e-tron | SUV (medium) | Up to 562 km |
| Renault R5 | Small car | Up to 410 km |
| VW ID.3 | Compact car | Up to 600 km |
| Audi Q6 E-Tron | SUV (large) | Up to 625 km |
| Volvo EX30 | SUV (small) | Up to 450 km |
| Porsche Macan | SUV (medium) | Up to 613 km |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 | Compact car | Up to 507 km |
| Average range | 533 km |
Is the range of an electric car sufficient for Switzerland?
Yes, definitely. Let's do the maths:
- A new electric car can travel an average of 533 km on a single battery charge.
- In Switzerland, people drive an average of 30 km per day, whether for leisure, commuting or other purposes (source: Federal Statistical Office).
- This means charging only every two weeks – similar to how you don't have to fill up your petrol car every week.
50% of working people in Switzerland use their car to commute, with the average commute distance being 14 km. Only 20% commute across cantonal borders. Only a fraction of the population commutes long distances by car. For the average person, the range of an electric car is therefore more than sufficient.
So how often would you have to charge your electric car per month if you commute by car?
Let's do the maths: as an example car, we'll take the Tesla Model Y, the best-selling electric car in Switzerland, with a range of 533 km.
| Route | Distance per day (round trip) | How often does it need to be charged | Average commute | 28 km | Every 19 days |
|---|---|---|
| Zurich – Lucerne | 104 km | Every 5 days |
| Zurich – Winterthur | 50 km | Every 10 days |
| Bern – Zurich | 250 km | Every 2 days |
| Basel – Zurich | 175 km | Every 3 days |
| Zurich - Zug | 70 km | Every 8 days |
| Geneva - Lausanne | 130 km | Every 4 days |
It turns out that for the average commute, charging 1-2 times a month is sufficient. Even for longer distances, you never really need to charge on the road in Switzerland. And you don't need to worry about weekend trips either.
With these tips, you won't have to stress about range at all:
- Charge while you do other things: while shopping, during dinner, or on a weekend sightseeing trip.
- Charge while you take a break from driving.
- Charge overnight at home with a wall box. After all, everyone will have the right to charge in the future.
- Charge while you work.
Driving comfortably means more range
Another tip: drive smoothly and defensively, especially on longer journeys. Maintaining a constant speed of 110 km/h instead of 120 km/h (or even more) on the motorway can conserve range. You will hardly lose any time. For a distance such as Zurich to Bern (125 km), 10 km/h more or less only makes a difference of 5-10 minutes – but you save a few percent of battery power.
Do electric cars lose range when they are second-hand?
No. Electric cars hardly lose any range.
It used to be assumed that the batteries of electric cars would lose a lot of range after just a few years. However, reality shows that electric car batteries are very durable. Even after 300,000 km, a used electric car still has an average of 80% to 85% of its original capacity.
What does this mean in real life?
- A new Tesla Model 3 Long Range has a range of 600 km (WLTP).
- After a 20% loss, that's 480 km. So you can still drive for four hours straight without having to recharge.
- With a range of 480 km, you can easily make it from Zurich to Parma without recharging!
And let's be honest: 300,000 km on a used car is an extremely high mileage – that's 7 times around the world! When was the last time you saw a used car with so many kilometres on the clock?
In fact, most used electric cars today have far fewer kilometres on the clock. Gowago Certified Pre-Owned electric cars usually have between 30,000 and 90,000 km.
With Gowago, you drive a better used electric car
We are fed up with half-truths and a lack of transparency when it comes to used cars – especially used electric cars. That's why we give you full transparency. With a Gowago Certified Pre-Owned electric car, you ALWAYS get a tested car with a battery certificate and at least a 12-month warranty. The battery and drive system come with a minimum 3-year warranty on exclusive offers. Wow.
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Summary: Range is not an issue
Electric cars – even used ones – retain around 80% of their battery capacity even after 300,000 km, which still means a range of 400–500 km. In Switzerland, we only drive an average of 30 km per day, so a full battery often lasts for two to three weeks. There's no need to worry about commutes of 100 km or longer weekend trips either, as fast charging will get you back to 80% in around 30 minutes.
With modern battery technology, smart charging and a dense network of over 12,000 charging points, you can relax and enjoy flexible travel at all times.
With Gowago, you drive a better used electric car
We are fed up with half-truths and lack of transparency when it comes to used cars – especially used electric cars. That's why we give you full transparency. With a Gowago Certified Pre-Owned Electric Car, you ALWAYS get a tested car with a battery certificate and at least a 12-month warranty. The battery and drive system come with at least a 3-year warranty on exclusive offers. Wow.
Discover Gowago Certified Pre-Owned Electric Cars
Let's debunk the other myths! Let's go.
That was just one of many myths surrounding used electric cars. There are a few other preconceptions that persist – but have little to do with the facts. Discover the other myths now and find out why a used electric car is often the better choice.
To the overview of electric car myths
