The WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure) range refers to the standardized method used to determine the fuel efficiency, energy consumption, and range of vehicles, particularly for electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), under a more realistic driving cycle compared to previous testing methods.
The WLTP test procedure is designed to reflect real-world driving conditions more accurately by simulating a variety of driving scenarios, such as city driving, highway driving, and more dynamic accelerations. This is a global standard used to measure and compare the range of electric vehicles under typical driving conditions.
Key Points About the WLTP Range:
More Realistic Driving Cycle: The WLTP test takes into account factors like acceleration, braking, and varying speeds, offering a more practical range estimate than the older NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) tests, which tended to show overly optimistic figures.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Range: For EVs, the WLTP range refers to how far the vehicle can travel on a single charge under typical driving conditions. It’s often given in kilometers (km) or miles (mi).
Range for Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEVs): In the case of plug-in hybrids, the WLTP range will indicate how far the vehicle can travel using only its electric motor (EV-only range) and its combined range (when using both the electric motor and the internal combustion engine).
Environmental and Market Use: The WLTP range helps consumers make better decisions based on how the car will perform in everyday driving conditions and aligns more closely with real-world expectations, as opposed to the idealized ranges seen under older test protocols.
Example:
If a car manufacturer claims that a specific electric car has a WLTP range of 400 km (250 miles), that means, under typical driving conditions and tests following the WLTP procedure, the car should be able to travel about 400 km on a full charge. However, keep in mind that factors such as driving style, road conditions, and temperature can affect the actual range in real-world use.
In summary, the WLTP range is an important measure of an electric vehicle's or plug-in hybrid's efficiency and range, providing consumers with more accurate information than previous testing methods.
