Seres 3 real world range
Manufacturers claim different range numbers for EVs. As a buyer, how could you know which one is close to real world?
First, let's take a look at different EVs and their range as claimed by manufacturers in Pakistan.
- Seres 3 - 400 km (NEDC)
- Ora 03 - 310 km (WLTP)
- MG4 - 350 km (WLTP)
Note the word (NEDC, WLTP) written after each range number. This is the standard used for testing to get that range.
- NEDC (New European Driving Cycle): Even though the name says new, but in reality it is an obsolete European standard to test fuel/energy efficiency of vehicles. It was last updated in 1997. It gives unrealistic numbers with today’s driving standards, i.e. severe traffic jams, and high speed driving on motorways.
- WLTP (Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure): This standard has replaced NEDC. All vehicles sold in Europe after 2018 advertise WLTP fuel economy numbers. WLTP range numbers are more realistic and close to real world.
There are two more widely standards. EPA in the USA and CLTC in China.
- EPA (Environmental Protection Agency): This is the strictest standard when it comes to EV range and energy efficiency testing. The EV range numbers are even less than Europe’s WLTP. It’s considered as the most realistic when it comes to EVs.
- CLTC (China light-duty vehicle test cycle): This standard used in China, and it’s focused towards the driving behavior, and roads of China. Usually the numbers reported by standard is even more than NEDC.
In summary, EPA range is the lowest and CLTC is the highest.
EPA < WLTP < NEDC < CLTC
Both EPA and WLTP give close to real world range numbers.
DFSK Pakistan is advertising Seres 3 NEDC range which will disappoint the buyers after purchase. They should rethink about their sales and marketing strategy. The WLTP range of Seres 3 is 300 km as advertised in Europe by DFSK. 300 km range is very realistic for Seres 3 specially in city driving.
As I took input from multiple European owners, you can achieve 280~330 km in city for this vehicle during mild weather. The range of all EVs is impacted in severe cold conditions. According to European owners, the range of Seres 3 reduces to 200~250 km in temperatures close to or below zero degree Celsius. Usually, EVs are more efficient in city driving and less efficient at motorway speeds. You could see 250 km of range at motorway speeds.
