What does battery capacity (in kWh) mean and how does it affect range?

How it affects range:

  • Higher capacity = longer range: A battery with more kWh can power the electric motor for more miles before recharging.
  • EPA-rated range: In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides official range estimates based on standardized testing.
  • Usable capacity: Not all of the battery’s full capacity is available — a buffer is reserved to protect longevity.

In short, more kWh generally means more miles, but driving style, weather, terrain, and speed all influence real-world range.