Pretty wordy, at least the first half, but here's some relevant bits.
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- Constant speed (such as using cruise control)
- Flat ground, no wind
- Climate control OFF or using vent only (no heat or air conditioning)
- 300 lbs of vehicle load (driver plus passenger or cargo)
- Windows up, sunroof closed
- Tires inflated to recommended pressures
- New battery pack (<1 year, <25,000 miles)
If you are driving slowly for a very long time and operating climate control continually it will have the largest percentage impact on your range. In very hot or cold operating conditions with typical usage of climate control and driving at speeds around 55 mph you may see a 10-15% reduction in range.
When the Tesla Roadster was certified, the EPA only used a 2-cycle test that was carried out under conditions of 75 degrees Fahrenheit ambient temperature and with varying acceleration rates and driving speeds for both city and highway tests topping out at 60 mph. Recently, the EPA incorporated three additional cycles into their
tests that push vehicles to greater limits. The additional cycles added as part of the new “5-cycle test” include a cold driving cycle that requires heater use, a hot weather cycle with air conditioning operation, and a high-speed cycle (reaching 80mph) with rapid accelerations.
We are very pleased to report that Model S has exceeded our initial range expectations by about 20 miles and has achieved a Roadster equivalent 2-cycle range of 320 miles and a 5-cycle range of 265 miles. This sets a new record for electric vehicle range!
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In Texas, people run the a/c constantly 6 months a year. It basically never shuts off from like late April through early OctoBer. Same would apply for the heat for the other 6 months on the other side of the country.
Aerodynamics/wind drag seems an important part in their efficiency but I didn't notice anything saying how much you lose cruising with the windows down. I ride like that in all but the hottest and coldest times. Don't like feeling cooped up.
Even with all that though it seems you could hit 200 miles at least some parts of the year, more if you trade some comfort for efficiency (which most people aren't gonna do). Pretty good for an electric car considering its a normal size car and not a beer can on wheels. May not be a gasoline replacement just yet but it's coming.