The capacity of electric car batteries: past and present, or how much has the situation changed?
Jul 1, 2025
If you've ever searched for how far you can go on a single charge, you have surely encountered the term "electric car battery capacity." This is one of the most important factors when choosing or using an electric vehicle every day.
We have written in our blog previously about articles regarding batteries. When capacity comes to the forefront, what we are actually examining is the capacity, volume, size, absorption capacity, and performance capability.
So, if the question is specifically about the capacity of electric car batteries, we are curious about how large the battery is and how much it can perform, whether with a single charge or throughout its entire operation.
How much is it?
The capacity of electric car batteries typically ranges between 40 kWh and 120 kWh. For example, a Tesla Model S may have a battery of up to 100 kWh, while a smaller Nissan Leaf is equipped with a battery ranging from 40 to 62 kWh.
The capacity specified by manufacturers differs from the actually usable capacity, which is commonly referred to as effectiveness. The efficiency of an electric car battery, or its actual capacity, is generally 90-95% of the nominal capacity. This is due to energy losses during battery operation, which primarily occur in the form of heat.
When 100 km was considered good
In the early days of electric cars – let's say, back in the pioneering era – the capacity of batteries was much more modest. The first models available to a wider audience often ran on 16-24 kWh batteries, which were enough for a range of only 100-150 km even under optimal conditions. An example of this was the 2011 Nissan Leaf, which, with its 24 kWh battery, actually offered a range of about 117 km, although the manufacturer's data promised slightly more.
However, over the years, technology has advanced significantly. Today, a capacity between 60-100 kWh is not uncommon, and a range of 400-500 km is not considered miraculous either. The refinement of lithium-ion technology, the increase in energy density, and advancements in thermal management have all led to electric driving becoming a comfortable part of everyday life.
What factors influence the capacity of an electric car battery?
The manufacturer's data is just one thing. How much energy you can actually extract from your battery depends on several factors. For example, temperature: in cold conditions, capacity can decrease by 20-30%. Additionally, driving style, accelerations, braking, and of course, how often you charge and how much you allow it to drain also matter.
What can you do to take care of it?
If you want to take care of its lifetime, it's good to pay attention to your charging habits. For example, with the Voltie system, you don't need to charge to 100% every time – in fact, it's not even advisable. With the battery-saving charging mode, you can set it to charge only up to 80-90%, which will preserve the battery in the long run. In the app, you can schedule your charging, so you manage the electricity and the battery wisely.
The system also shows how much energy your car has drawn, how long the charging took, and even provides feedback on CO2 savings. With this information, you can be more aware of the battery's condition.
If you want to get even more out of your battery, awareness is important: know your car's limits and use the tools that help you achieve your goals. If you're interested in charging options, browse our website, or feel free to ask us!
