EV Elevation & Mountain Range Calculator
Climbing costs energy, descending gives it back. See the real range cost of a mountain route and how much regenerative braking recovers on the way down.
Vertical gain on the route.
Extra energy for climb
Regen recovered
Net climb penalty
Range impact
Mountain EV tips
- Charge before the big climb. Use the climb, don't fear it — just don't start near empty.
- Let regen do the braking. On long descents you can gain 10-15% range back.
- Watch the battery temp. Heavy climbs heat the pack, slowing DC charging after.
- Round trips are nearly free. What you spend climbing, regen returns going down.
How it's calculated
- Climb cost: ~0.75 kWh per 100 m of vertical gain per tonne.
- Regen recovery: strong 65%, normal 50%, weak 35% of climb energy.
- Round trip nets climb cost − regen ≈ ~0.
- One-way keeps the full climb penalty.
- Assumes ~1.8t vehicle; heavier loads cost more per metre.
Frequently asked questions
How does elevation affect EV range?
Climbing mountains increases energy use sharply, but descending recovers energy through regenerative braking. On a loop trip, elevation has little net effect; on a one-way climb it can cut range by 15-30%.
Is regen strong enough to recover all climbing energy?
No — regen recovers roughly 50-75% of the energy used to climb, depending on the descent. The rest is lost to drag, brakes and drivetrain inefficiency.
Are EVs better than petrol cars in the mountains?
Yes — EVs recover climbing energy on the descent, while petrol cars only waste it as heat and engine braking. EVs feel great in the mountains; just plan for the climb.
How do I plan a mountain trip in an EV?
Use the highest point on your route, not the distance, to plan charging. Charge at the valley before climbing, and rely on regen coming back down.