WLTP is a global standard for determining the battery range of cars.

WLTP battery range is the official distance an electric vehicle (EV) can travel on a single charge, determined by the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP).

This standardized lab test provides a consistent figure across manufacturers for comparison, though real-world range is often lower due to factors like cold weather and driving at high speeds. You'll see this figure advertised by manufacturers, but keep in mind it's a benchmark rather than a guaranteed real-world distance.

What is the WLTP test?

The WLTP test is performed in a laboratory setting using a dynamometer to simulate driving conditions. It includes a mix of urban, suburban, and highway driving cycles to reflect a variety of real-world scenarios.

Standardized Conditions: The WLTP test measures a car's range under controlled laboratory conditions at a simulated average temperature of 23°C.

Dynamic Testing: It involves more dynamic driving, with varied acceleration and braking, to simulate a wider range of driving styles and speeds than older tests.

Legal Requirement: Manufacturers are legally required to quote WLTP figures to ensure fairness and consistency when marketing their electric vehicles.

WLTP vs. Real-World Range: Think of WLTP range as a maximum or benchmark figure, not a definitive distance you'll always achieve.

Influencing Factors: Real-world factors that can affect your actual range include:

1. Temperature: Cold weather reduces efficiency, while summer temperatures are more optimal for EV range.
2. Driving Style: Aggressive acceleration and high speeds can significantly lower range.
3. Terrain: Driving uphill consumes more energy than on flat roads.
4. Using Accessories: Excessive use of heating, air conditioning, or other high-power accessories can reduce range.
5. General Rule of Thumb: In many cases, real-world range can be expected to be around 80-90% of the quoted WLTP figure.

WLTP vs Real-World Range

While the WLTP is more realistic than older tests, your actual driving range will often be lower than the official figure due to real-world factors. On average, real-world EV range is estimated to be 10–20% lower than the WLTP number.

Factors that affect real-world range include:

1. Weather: Batteries perform less efficiently in colder temperatures, and using the heater further reduces range. Severe cold weather can decrease range by up to 40%.
2. Driving style: Aggressive acceleration, hard braking, and high speeds deplete the battery faster. Driving more efficiently, such as driving at a lower speed on a motorway, can help extend range.
3. Vehicle weight: A heavier load, such as passengers or cargo, requires more energy to move and will reduce your range.
4. Use of electrics: Running the air conditioning, heater, or other electrical accessories draws power from the battery.
5. Road conditions and terrain: Driving uphill or into a headwind consumes more energy than driving on flat ground.