The RAV4 EV is EPA-rated as having 93 miles of range on a standard charge, and 113 miles of range on an extended charge. This estimate is based on a series of 5 different "real world" driving tests in which the EV is driven like a standard car.
While many of us have found that the RAV4 EV can fairly easily beat the EPA estimates with conservative driving, 156 mile range on an extended charge may technically be possible but is incredibly optimistic, and should not be what you expect from the RAV4 EV.
The numerical estimate of range to the left of the speedometer - often referred to as a GOM or "guess-o-meter" here - is an estimate based on how efficient your prior trips were, along with real-time data on how much energy the car is using. If you're driving uphill with the heater on full blast, you'll see your range decrease faster than expected. If you're driving downhill in regenerative braking mode without any heating or AC, you'll actually see your range increase. That estimate is not gospel - it's just an estimate to help you evaluate how far the car will go.
The primary ways to maximize your range:
* Do not use sport mode. Sport mode reveals the performance of the RAV4's drivetrain, but at the expense of range.
* No sudden acceleration. Keep the "ECO" light on as you accelerate, and then drive at a steady and slow speed.
* Minimize the use of AC, the heater, or the fan. Turn them completely off, or at most, use the Eco Hi mode.
* Use "B" mode to use regenerative braking, especially going down steep hills or in stop-and-go traffic.
But again, while many of us can coax up to 140 miles out of an extended charge, 156 is not generally practical, and that number being displayed was likely the result of testing before your car was delivered than any sort of real-world estimate. 117 on an extended charge isn't the best the car can do, but it's a perfectly reasonable number, and is not indicative of a charging or other technical issue.
