Influencing factors on specific energy consumption of EV in extensive operations

The sensitivities of electric vehicle (EV) energy consumption become significant when operating at long distances. This study analyzes these sensitivities based on empirical data of seven EV over 2.75 years with individual monthly mileages above 3,000 km and a specifically adopted energy consumption model. The results underline the influence of average speed, the distribution of speed and the auxiliaries as well as their opposing effects. It is demonstrated that the point of lowest specific energy consumption is not necessarily identical to the point where EV are most competitive compared to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles.