Average battery range for new electric vehicles almost 300 miles

The average distance a new electric car coming to the market for the first time in 2023 can travel on a single charge is almost 300 miles, new analysis suggests.

That's around three times the average distance driven per week and, with new electric vehicles (EVs) also available with ranges in excess of 450 miles, more than adequate for higher mileage drivers.

The average range for all available electric cars, meanwhile, is now 236 miles, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).  

The SMMT says that drivers in Britain have seen their choice of battery electric cars quadruple over the past five years.

There are now around 80 EVs available across every vehicle segment – compared with just 21 in 2018.

As result, almost one in four car models is available as a battery electric vehicle (BEV).

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Britain’s drivers are benefitting from the massive investment made by manufacturers over many years to deliver an electric car choice for every need.”

New BEV registrations are up by more than a quarter (25.6%) from this time last year.

The SMMT says that on top of the huge number of available BEV models, drivers looking to cut their carbon while on the move can also choose from 94 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and 42 hybrid (HEV) models – meaning electrified vehicles comprise almost two-thirds of all models available.

There are also now 23 models of electric van, 14 models of zero emission buses powered by electric or hydrogen, and 20 electric truck models now available in the UK.

“We now require a framework that ensures everyone can benefit from zero emission mobility,” said Hawes.

“These vehicles already offer an outstanding driving experience, but motorists should have lower total running costs, no matter where they live or work, with fair taxation that inspires instead of impedes.

“With infrastructure provision accelerated ahead of need, the UK can have a healthy, vibrant market, with ever more model choice to keep the UK as a world leader in net zero transport.”