WLTP Range Testing
The Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) is a global standard for determining the range of electric vehicles.
For cars sold in Europe after September 2017, it is mandatory to use this standard. The WLTP replaced the NEDC.
How is it tested?
The test procedure is described in detail by the UN.
In short, the WLTP procedure relies on new driving cycles (WLTC – Worldwide harmonized Light-duty vehicles Test Cycles) to measure the range.
The WLTP cycle has four sub-parts, each with a different maximum speed. The total test cycle time is 30 minutes (1800 seconds).
| # | City | Suburban | Rural | Highway | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration (seconds) | 589 | 483 | 455 | 323 | 1800 |
| Stop (seconds) | 150 | 49 | 31 | 8 | 235 |
| Distance (meters) | 3095 | 4756 | 7162 | 8254 | 23266 |
| Percent Stop | 26.5% | 11.1% | 6.8% | 2.2% | 13.5% |
| Max Speed (km/h) | 56.5 | 76.6 | 97.4 | 131.3 | |
| Average Speed w/o Stop (km/h) | 25.3 | 44.5 | 60.7 | 94 | 53.5 |
| Average Speed w/ Stop (km/h) | 18.9 | 39.4 | 56.5 | 91.7 | 46.5 |
| Min Acceleration (m/s²) | -1.5 | -1.5 | -1.5 | -1.44 | |
| Max Acceleration (m/s²) | 1.611 | 1.611 | 1.666 | 1.055 |
The graph below shows the speed for the different cycles.
WLTP cycle 3B
The test is conducted on a dynamometer to ensure consistent conditions:
- 23 degrees Celsius
- A/C turned off
- Lights turned off
In addition to the dynamometer test, the manufacturer must test the car in a wind tunnel. This test determines the drag coefficient and front area size, which are used to calculate the WLTP range.
Audi e-tron in a wind tunnel
The result depends on the equipment level
For many models, certain options can affect the range. These options could include larger wheels, sunroofs, virtual mirrors, and other factors that change weight or aerodynamics.
For models with these options, the manufacturer needs to conduct two tests: one with maximum options and one with minimum options.
The manufacturer can then calculate the range for different option setups based on these numbers.
How accurate is it?
Running a test without A/C, heating, and lights at 23 degrees Celsius will not provide accurate consumption figures for many real-world scenarios.
In the worst-case scenario, driving on a highway in heavy rain in cold weather could result in only 50-60% of the stated WLTP range.
In the EVKX.net model database, we include both maximum and minimum WLTP ranges along with the expected real-world range.
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