The Simplify Your Drive for Electric Vehicles concept examines the topography and types of road ahead, calculating available range based on the amount of time at high speeds, going up or downhill and the energy used by on-board systems.

This can be used to calculate routes including recharging stops, if required, and provide the driver with tips to save energy and extend the range. Selectable profiles mean the system can either suggest returning to home if the route is local, or at public stations along the way.

Continental said the system will also gather route information via telematics, allowing it to improve its accuracy over time using historical data.

Ralf Lenninger, head of the strategy and development department at Continental’s Interior division, explained: ‘Up to now, vehicles have estimated the remaining range on the basis of the average consumption over the last kilometers covered. With Simplify your Drive for Electric Vehicles, we are turning the tables, so to speak, and allowing the vehicle to look forward.

‘This allows us to make a much more accurate statement regarding the range and the driver does not have to fear a breakdown due to an empty battery.