Electric cars lose up to 25% range with two roof‑mounted bicycles, ADAC test shows

The German automobile club ADAC tested a Kia EV6 electric vehicle with two bicycles mounted on the roof. At an average speed of about 120 km/h, energy consumption rose by roughly 25%, and at 130 km/h the increase reached 30‑34%. The higher aerodynamic drag shortens the practical driving range by 20‑25 %, meaning a model that can travel 400 km on a full charge would need recharging after about 320 km, and a 500 km range could drop by 100‑125 km.

The loss depends on speed, vehicle height, bike type, mounting system and wind conditions, but the test provides a realistic estimate for drivers planning trips with roof‑mounted bicycles.