Buying anything usually present a learning curve: EVs are no different.
I remember growing up watching movies set halfway around the world and admire vehicles we’d likely never see on North American shores. Thankfully, that is changing; however there are growing pains. Range anxiety exists and understanding how the EV ranges are measured is an asset.
With global access to vehicles we see varying methods of measuring EV range. Understanding the various range assessments can be challenging as their metrics vary; this leads to a lot of frustration and confusion.
Currently, there are four primary EV range assessments:
- NEDC
- EPA,
- WLTP
- CLTC
We’ll look at each in some detail, below:
| Range Cycle | Where | When | How | Results |
| NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) | Europe | ended in 2017 | 1. NEDC cycle only considers GVW. 2. Done as a single 20-minute test in four equal stop-and-go segments. | Inaccurate & outdated now replaced by WLTP 1. Does not consider real-world conditions like air conditioning, heating, lights, or other features commonly used while driving. 2. Acceleration limited to 50 km/h (31 mph) CITY and 120 km/h (75 mph) HWY |
| WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure) | Europe | Currently in use | 1. WLTP considers the power-to-weight ratio, EVs are divided into 3 classes, each with different testing methods for precise results esp for CITY. 2. Considers real-world conditions like air conditioning, heating, lights, or other features commonly used while driving. 3. The maximum speeds and duration in both city and highway tests have increased significantly, up to 131 km/h (81 mph) in a 30 min test. 4. Factors all configurations of each EV trim level (larger wheels, added weight) which can impact efficiency. Test types A. WLTP TEL (Test Energy Low) most energy-efficient version of a vehicle B.WLTP TEH (Test Energy High) for the least efficient version | More precise. 1. WLTP tests are conducted at a constant temperature of 23°C (73°F) 2. EVs use same testing protocol as ICE vehicles. 3. WLTP-estimated ranges have been 15-25% lower than NEDC figures yielding more accurate assessments of EVs. |
| EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) | USA & others | Currently in use | 1. Assesses more than acceleration and braking. Unlike WLTP, EPA includes an aggressive driving cycle which replicates real-world city driving (frequent acceleration and braking occur without maintaining steady speeds). 2. EVs are evaluated in both high & low temps to assess how climate conditions impact battery efficiency and overall range. 3. Dedicated EV testing protocol 4. Adjustment factor applied (measured range x 0.7), to replicate real-world driving experiences. | Most precise 1. EPA figures are 10-22% lower than those of WLTP allowing more realistic expectations from drivers This approach delivers more accurate data, particularly for urban driving conditions |
| CLTC (China Light Duty Vehicle Test Cycle) | China | Currently in use | 1. Speed CLTC cycle uses an average speed of 18 mph (29 km/h) 2. Acceleration & braking Retains unrealistic NEDC accel & and braking patterns; maximum test speed 114 km/h (71 mph) | Lenient, not as precise 1. Modelled, like WLTP, after the NEDC cycle. Different methodology vs WLTP. 2. Speed limitation reflects congestion typical in China. 3. CLTC figures are approx. 15-20% higher than WLTP. 4. CLTC figures are approx. 35% higher than EPA. |
