If you have come across the specifications for EV cars. More often than not you would notice a specification on the range with this word ‘WLTP’. This specification has created a degree of misunderstandings and some unrealistic expectations to the car’s range from the buyers. This article is an attempt to quash misunderstandings surrounding this WLTP range in EV cars, and to possibly shed some light to you of what you can expect from WLTP.

So what is WLTP? And what does it stands for? WLTP derived from the test procedure agreed by car manufacturers, this procedure is called Worldwide Harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure. Ya you read it right, that’s why people called it WLTP instead.

WLTP was created and was in forced since September 2017. WLTP is a range derived for ALL cars. So, it’s not specifically created for EV.

The WLTP standard tries to mimic a standard driving range. It includes four sections with different average speed:

  • low
  • medium
  • high
  • extra high

Each of these phases were tested on a variety of driving activities like acceleration, stopping and braking (light/hard braking).

The figures were then calculated and averaged out. The WLTP figure was obtained in ‘specific’ condition that will not be made known to the buyers. It might / might not be close to your driving habits. And you’ll have no idea of where to get this information.

The WLTP tests as given by manufacturers will be quite subjective I would say. Based on what I’ve gathered so far; the Volvo XC40 Recharge EV AWD was given an WLTP range of 418km, but in real world test done at the speed of 110kmh on highway, it could go only up to about 330 kilometers. It’s always best to do comprehensive research and reading of reviews (I’ll have a table and list of EV and their respective real world range soon) before committing to buy one.

Also, do note, range can be affected by these elements; outside temperature, load carried by the car, the road surface, slope, air conditioning and heater, and how the driver handles the car. I will highlight this more on the next article.

End of the day, do not rely fully on the WLTP range as given by the manufacturer for the car. Do read through real world driving reviews to get a glimpse of the expected range for the respective EV that you planned to buy. Do come back to CariAPP for new articles on this topic in the next week or so.

If you are into more technicality of the WLTP, please refer to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Worldwide_Harmonised_Light_Vehicles_Test_Procedure