- Electric vehicles, including Tesla Model Y and Nissan Leaf, have shorter ranges than advertised
- Which? advised car buyers to be “skeptical” of the manufacturer’s claims
Electric car manufacturers use exaggerated ranges in official tests to not reflect real life, a study reveals.
More than 70 electric vehicles were analyzed in independent tests carried out by consumer advocates Which? showed that real-world ranges were almost 20 percent lower than what automakers advertised, on average.
Tests also found that electric car batteries will need about 15 percent more energy than advertised to fully charge, resulting in higher running costs.
The UK’s most popular electric vehicle, the Tesla Model Y, reportedly had a real-world range of 100 miles less than advertised, and the Nissan Leaf lost more than 50 miles compared to what was advertised. promoted.
Drivers debating whether or not to buy an electric car should be ‘skeptical’ of the advertised range and ensure they do ‘rigorous’ research before making an expensive purchase, which one? saying.
Table showing the difference between the announced ranges of electric vehicles and the tested ranges
Britain’s most popular electric car, the Tesla Model Y (pictured), has one of the widest gaps between its advertised range, 331 miles, compared to its real-world range of just 231 miles, 100 miles less, according to Which?
This came as the government announced this week that more than a fifth of new car sales next year will be electric, with a ban on new petrol and diesel cars to be introduced in 2030. Currently, around a sixth of new car sales are electric. .
The result could leave EV drivers “disappointed by the distance they can realistically cover on a single charge,” which one? Sustainability editor Emily Seymour said: The times reports.
Electric car makers have used a laboratory test called the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) to determine ranges since 2017, under EU law. This was introduced after the previous testing regime was accused of overstating the fuel efficiency of cars powered by fossil fuels.
The WLTP offers more accurate results for gasoline and diesel cars, but as a “strong tendency” to exaggerate the efficiency and range of electric vehicles. Which is it? say. And they say their own tests provide a more realistic estimate.
Electric vehicles tend to have shorter ranges on highways and highways, as they use more power to drive at higher speeds and also recover less power when braking.
According to? The largest EVs had the worst real-life range compared to what was advertised – averaging more than 50 miles less. This could mean that drivers on long journeys could be significantly disadvantaged if they need to charge during a journey within the advertised range, which they are unable to complete, due to the higher cost of forecourt chargers compared to domestic ones.
Britain’s most popular electric car, the Tesla Model Y, has one of the widest gaps between its advertised range, 331 miles, compared to its actual range of just 231 miles, 100 miles less, according to Which?
The Nissan Leaf is advertised as achieving a range of “up to 239 miles,” although the manufacturer says this “does not refer to a particular individual vehicle.” Which? The research found a maximum range of only 187 miles.
James Court of the Electric Vehicle Association told The Times that there are large cars that are more efficient but some lose range in colder conditions.
The Nissan Leaf (pictured) is advertised as achieving a range of “up to 239 miles”, but which one? The research found a maximum range of only 187 miles.
Nissan told the newspaper: ‘The WLTP test is mandatory and is the only universal range figure cited by all manufacturers. It is used by consumers to compare the range of different models. We have a real-world range calculator readily available on our website where customers can adjust parameters to see accurate and realistic range figures based on their individual circumstances.
Tesla did not comment to the Times, but has previously dismissed independent testing, saying fair comparisons can only be made under laboratory conditions.
Mike Hawes, of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, told the newspaper: ‘By law, manufacturers must test all vehicles to the same repeatable official standard – the WLTP test. This test is regulated by government authorities and it is these results, and only these results, that manufacturers are required to publish by law. However, there will always be a difference between laboratory testing and real-world use. Battery range, for example, like fuel consumption in gasoline and diesel vehicles, will vary depending on the type of trip taken, conditions, driving style, vehicle load and other factors.’