Despite the fact that the change from the NEDC system to the WLTP system has been a step in the right direction, the reality is that the approval cycles for autonomy and consumption of vehicles currently remain unrealistic. Something that the different real driving tests have uncovered but that has not led to a rectification by the European authorities.
Normally, for those who are looking for an electric car, autonomy is one of the main sections to take into account. It is therefore normal for manufacturers to focus their attention on how to extend the autonomy of their models, and according to a new survey by the French consumer group Que Choisir, sometimes brands come to lie.
According to data collected by this organization, there is a significant gap between the autonomy announced by manufacturers and the actual autonomy of their electric cars. Of the 20 models tested by the association, the difference in some cases exceeds 30%which can be a serious problem for those looking for a vehicle to travel.
Real autonomy of electric cars
According to the results of the association tests, models such as the Volkswagen ID.4 GTX It is one of the most different between approval and reality. With an advertised range of 467 km, the ID.4 GTX was only able to cover 311 km, which is a difference of 33.4%.
The second classified has been Citroën with its ë-C4, which has seen how the 360 kilometers WLTP remained in 262 real km. Something that translates into a difference of 27.2%.
Behind we find the Tesla Model Y Long Range Dual Enginewhich goes from 507 official kilometers to 371 real km, 26.7% less, the Airways U5from 400 km to 293 reais, 26.8% less.
Among the 20 electric cars tested, the 64 kWh Hyundai Kona Electric is the one with the least difference. The Korean manages to offer 436 kilometers of autonomy, which is barely 9.9% less than the official figure of 484 km.
It is followed by another model from the Hyundai/KIA group, the KIA EV6, which in its rear-wheel drive version with a 77 kWh battery manages to complete 470 km of the 528 km announced, 11% less.
Real autonomy of electric cars: summary
For the association, this information is not solely attributable to the manufacturers, but it points directly to the WLTP consumption approval protocolwhich they indicate does not reflect the figures under actual driving conditions.
something they extend to load power factorwhich they indicate is also used as an advertising tool offering only the maximum charge figure, when this usually only lasts a few minutes.
As an example they put the case of the Renault Megane E-Tech. This shows us in its technical sheet a maximum charging power of 130 kW. But the reality is that, with a battery with a low level of charge, the power starts at 121 kW, before gradually dropping to 55 kW after 30 minutes. Something that can translate into slower charging sessions than other models capable of maintaining the curve more sustainably. But this customers do not know.
The conclusion is that without a doubt the WLTP system can be greatly improved, and for example, it should carry out its measurements not only on the road in real conditions, but also at different times of the year, to know the real autonomy both in spring or summer, as When temperatures drop in winter and autonomy suffers more intensely.
Source | Quechoisir
