I embarked on an electric car journey, covering 300 miles in a single day, and it was just as effortless as driving a petrol-powered vehicle. I've been testing the Skoda Elroq, a practical and spacious compact SUV, to determine if it's the ideal entry point into the world of electric cars. After a few days of smooth cruising through London's suburbs, I put the Elroq's versatility to the test with a long-distance highway trip, a challenge often faced by electric vehicles due to energy demands and noise implications at high speeds.
My first stop was an early morning visit to Crewe to witness Bentley's groundbreaking EXP 15 concept. I braved the ungodly hour of 4 am to adhere to our tight schedule. Anticipating the need for a full battery charge, I topped up the 82 kWh battery the night before, ensuring a reassuring 343 miles of range on the display as I set off.
Up until the M25, the range remained consistent, decreasing at a similar rate to my distance traveled. However, once I exited the capital's notorious 20 mph zones and reached a steady 70 mph, the range started to drop more rapidly. By my first rest stop, I had covered 110 miles but lost 140 miles from the displayed range, with efficiency dropping from 4.3 mpg kWh in town to 3.4 mpg kWh on the motorway, resulting in a reduced range of 279 miles.
Throughout the journey, I monitored my 'comfort buffer,' the estimated remaining battery life. Initial calculations suggested 106 miles, but the need to maintain a constant 70 mph and the warmth of the air conditioning gradually reduced this safety net. I ended up with just 80 miles left as I carefully navigated the Elroq through Bentley's car park, surrounded by the specified Bentaygas and Continentals.
