Battery Capacity: Understanding Battery Size and Range
Battery Capacity - Described in kWh (kilowatt hours) - Important Number
A larger electric car battery can store more energy, allowing for greater battery range in a larger vehicle, but these batteries tend to be heavy, bulky, and expensive. Over the last decade, as the costs of batteries have decreased, battery sizes have increased significantly, moving from the typical 20-30 kilowatt hours (kWh) that provided around 100 miles of range in new small to medium cars, to now featuring 40+ kWh batteries that offer a range exceeding 200 miles.
The less important number frequently quoted in advertisements for electric cars is the maximum power available from the motors, expressed in kW (kilowatts) or PS (PferdStarke - Metric Horsepower). A larger number generally indicates a faster car; however, it's important to consider that the heavier the car, the more power it needs. Additionally, factors like battery range and the efficiency of the electric car battery, measured in kilowatt hours, play a crucial role in overall performance.