Electric car: what if the race for range was the wrong battle?
- Published on 09/10/2026 9:20
- Modified on 09/10/2026 9:21
Bigger batteries to go further: electric cars deserve better than this hype. In its new opinion, ADEME reminds us of a salutary truth: progress also means doing better with less.
This reminder of common sense deserves to extend beyond expert circles. Published on October 7, ADEME’s opinion on electric cars and their charging puts efficiency back at the center of the debate. For in the constant comparisons of range, we often forget what needs to be carried to achieve it.
The demonstration is striking. To offer a certified range of 430 kilometers, a compact car might have a 60 kWh battery, while a large SUV requires 90 kWh. The same declared distance, but a capacity that is 50% higher. In other words, part of the claimed progress simply serves to compensate for the vehicle’s appetite.
Moreover, the battery represents nearly half of the carbon footprint of an electric car. Increasing its size entails more raw materials and worsening the environmental tally.
Consume less rather than always carrying more
ADEME reminds us that certified consumption ranges from 12 to 24 kWh/100 km depending on the models. Before demanding an additional battery, it is better to check how the car uses its energy. Such sobriety benefits both the environment and the wallet.
The same logic applies to charging: developing charging stations, especially at workplaces and on streets, allows for broader travel options with a lesser impact than the systematic increase of battery sizes.
Range remains necessary, particularly for high-mileage drivers. However, sizing all cars for the most exceptional trips is a costly logic. The future of electric cars does not depend on a record number of kilometers highlighted in a brochure. It largely depends on models that are affordable, efficient, and easy to charge. This common sense deserves to guide upcoming models.
ALSO READ: Michelin promises to increase electric range
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This page is translated from the original post "Voiture électrique : et si la course à l’autonomie était le mauvais combat ?" in French.
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