Every automaker touts their vehicles' impressive range based on WLTP standards. However, when you take your first long highway trip, you may find that your vehicle doesn't quite live up to these claims. Why is this the case?
The WLTP driving cycle is best envisioned as a brief journey across flat terrain, within a city and its surrounding suburbs. It involves accelerating to moderate speeds, braking, and only a brief stint on the highway. During this cycle, heating and air conditioning are turned off, the vehicle is lightly loaded, and the temperatures hover around 24°C. The wheels are typically an economical combination of small rims and summer tires. Any additional energy consumption will inevitably reduce the range.
The WLTP driving cycle isn't equivalent to a highway drive at 130 km/h. Instead, it's a blend of city, country road, and moderate highway driving. At a steady 130 km/h, the consumption can be up to 50% higher than the WLTP value.
If your driving habits perfectly mirror the WLTP driving cycle, you'll likely achieve the WLTP ranges. However, most drivers have different profiles: city traffic, highway traffic, or country road driving; winter temperatures around freezing; additional passengers; and so on. As a result, most drivers will achieve a range that falls short of the WLTP value.
While WLTP figures may seem overly optimistic, they do offer several benefits. Firstly, they provide a basis for comparing different vehicles, which is crucial when range is a key factor in your purchasing decision. Secondly, they give buyers a ballpark figure for their vehicle's expected range. Significant deviations from this range could indicate a potential defect in the drive system.
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