Been thinking about how EV trucks seem to get more range than cars/SUVs. Is this because of the surface area of the vehicle compared to the weight (with an empty truck bed)? Would an unloaded EV El Camino theoretically get better “mileage” than something like a Bolt?
First and foremost it is the mass that defines the range of an EV, closely followed by the aero drag efficiency. Rolling resistance and transmission losses are pretty minor. A mindful driver who doesn’t race up to red lights and doesn’t mind getting hot on a hot day and cold on a cold day will increase the range by reducing HVAC load. The type of terrain and ambient temperature are factors. I would be surprised if something as inefficient as a truck gets anywhere close to a sedan.