New 2023 model-year electric vehicles in the US hit a new median EPA range record of 270 miles, according to DOE’s Vehicle Technologies Office.
New median EPA range record
The data revealed that the 2023 model-year electric vehicles broke records in terms of median EPA range to 270 miles.
It indicates a 13 miles or 5% increase from the 2022 model-year rating of 257 miles. Notably, the previous record holder was 259 miles, attained in model year 2022.
On the other hand, the highest EPA range among the 2023 model-year electric vehicle models was 2023 Lucid Air Grand Touring’s 516 miles.
These ratings are indeed impressive, considering four models introduced in 2021 only had a 63 to 94 miles of range between charges.
EPA range rating
The driving range of electric vehicles is still the most crucial parameter in this industry, along with pricing.
In that sense, the EPA range rating remains the standard measure for EV sales in the US and Canada, enabling customers to compare the models.
However, this rating does not automatically imply that the sales distribution is the same.
So what?
This new record in the median EPA range indicates a remarkable headway over the past decade. It demonstrates how new electric vehicle buyers prefer models with higher driving range.
However, the progress is not always steady and consistent, and there are fluctuations in the rate of improvement. This is true as many things change, like new model launches, retirement, and test cycle updates.
As EV-a2z previously reported, the EPA updated its testing procedure to include finding the best- and worst-case drive modes for energy consumption, range, and draws an average. It would be exciting to see the median EPA range reach about 300 miles in the near future.
