New tests reveal the shocking ‘real-world’ range of electric cars
Some models claim up to 100 miles more range than they can deliver in reality
A new test of the ‘real-world’ ranges of electric cars has shown that many don’t deliver on their claimed maximum range – with some overstating achievable distances by as much as 100 miles.
That’s according to a new test by consumer publication WhatCar?, which recently launched a ‘Real Range’ test for EVs to complement its existing ‘Real MPG’ procedure for fossil fuel-powered cars.
WhatCar? tested the range of 12 electric vehicles at its test centre, running the machines to absolute zero under stable conditions before heading out onto a test track. The vehicles were run with the climate control and headlights activated, in a simulation of urban traffic, rural roads and motorways.
The tests put the recently released Hyundai Kona Electric in top spot, with a real-world range of 259 miles. Hyundai claims it can cover 292 miles between charges, meaning the Kona overstates its range by 33 miles.
The second-longest range belongs to the Jaguar I-Pace, which also claims 292 miles but delivered 253 miles in testing.
Tests also revealed the cost of a full charge, and from that, the cost-per-mile. It’s here where the Kona beats the I-Pace thanks to its smaller battery — costing £8.65 to charge versus the Jaguar’s £11.65, making for a cost per mile of £0.033 versus £0.047.
WhatCar? also tested the Tesla Model S 75D, which claims the longest range of the group with 304 miles. However, it delivered just 204 miles in testing – making it the worst performer in terms of accuracy.
At the bottom of the table sat Smart’s ForFour and ForTwo EQ models, both of which claim a 99-mile range. However, they delivered just 57 and 59 miles in testing, making them unsuitable for all but inner-city users.
Britain’s best-selling electric car, the Nissan Leaf, didn’t fare too well either with a real-world range of just 128 miles as opposed to the 168 miles it claims.
What Car? editor Steve Huntingford said: “Our True MPG test has always been the best way to cut through the official noise and see how economical a car will really be. But with the surge in interest in electric cars, now is the time for us to provide the same service to EV buyers.”
