How far do EVs really go on Thai highways?

Updated 2026-09-26 · EVNav TH

Advertised range (NEDC, WLTP or CLTC) is measured on a mix of city and country driving. On Thai highways at 100–120 km/h for hours on end, most electric cars go clearly less. This table shows the range our planner actually works with for popular cars in Thailand.

Highway range table

Range from 100% to empty at a steady speed, plus the “leg between fast charges”: 80% down to 10% at 110 km/h, the window you really use between DC stations.

Why speed eats range

Air drag grows with the square of speed and is the biggest energy cost on the highway. In the table above the BYD Sealion 7 Premium RWD covers 421 km at 90 km/h but only 352 km at 120 km/h, about 16% less. Driving a little slower often saves one charging stop on a long trip.

What else costs range

• Hills, e.g. in the north: more energy uphill, part of it comes back downhill through regen
• Load: a full car with luggage uses more
• Heavy rain and headwind add drag; wet roads add tyre resistance
• Air conditioning runs all the time in Thai heat, but on the highway it matters less than speed
• Hot battery: after several fast charges on a hot day some cars charge slower to protect the battery, so stops get longer

Why only 80% down to 10%

Below 10% is too risky if the station you aim for has a queue or is closed, and above 80% most cars charge much slower. Our planner therefore arrives at every station with at least 10% (adjustable in advanced settings) and starts from cautious defaults you can relax yourself. See it on a real route: Bangkok to Chiang Mai, car by car.

Plan a trip with your car

Figures come from our speed-based consumption model, not from manufacturers; real use depends on weather, road and driving.

Figures come from EVNav TH's planner and station data, compiled from third-party sources that are beyond our control and may be inaccurate or out of date. Plans are estimates; check before you drive.