The Impact of Traffic on Tesla Range: A Comprehensive Analysis

Tesla owners often wonder if their driving conditions, such as traffic, affect the range of their electric vehicles (EVs). While the impact is generally minimal, it can influence the amount of energy consumed during a drive. This article explores how traffic conditions, particularly those involving steady, slow speeds, can affect the efficiency and range of a Tesla, using real-world data from a daily commute and a study on a Volkswagen ID.4.

Does Traffic Affect Tesla Range?

Yes, traffic can affect Tesla range, but the impact is subtle. According to a study conducted on a Volkswagen ID.4 in the UK, most EVs exhibit similar behavior. In general, heavy traffic that keeps speeds between 20-50 mph has a positive impact on range because the car is using less power when it is idle or moving slowly.

Understanding the Data

My daily commute of 80 miles is a good example. On average, I travel between 40-55 mph. During these conditions, I consistently exceed the rated range, largely due to the slower speeds.

Sample Commute Analysis

Let's break down a typical day and see how slower speeds and traffic impact range:

Return Trip:

Distance: 39 miles Duration: 56 minutes Average Speed: 42 mph Environmental Conditions: Running maximum air conditioning, uphill driving (5400 feet to 6400 feet) Rated Energy Consumption: 240 Wh/mile Actual Energy Consumed: 218 Wh/mile

Note that the car used only 91% of its rated energy, even with the air conditioning running at full blast and uphill driving conditions. This indicates that the slower speeds had a positive effect on range, despite the challenging conditions.

Complete Commute (including a side trip to the store):

Energy Consumption: 197 Wh/mile Actual Energy Used: 82% of rated energy

The second line of data from the trips screen represents the round trip including a detour. This is a better indicator of range because the uphill and downhill segments cancel each other out. Even with maximum air conditioning running, the car still managed to use only 82% of its rated energy, showcasing the benefits of slow, steady speeds.

Long-Term Average:

Energy Consumption: 263 Wh/mile Actual Energy Used: 110% of rated energy

While my long-term average is slightly higher, this is due to the high-speed driving and bad weather associated with my job, as well as driving through windy and hilly terrains.

Conclusion

In summary, driving at speeds below 55 mph (20-50 mph) tends to increase range, while driving at higher speeds (above 55 mph) reduces it. Traffic conditions that involve steady, slow speeds generally improve range in BEVs like Tesla. Therefore, if you want to maximize your Tesla's range, consider opting for slower yet more congested routes.