Real-world winter testing by What Car? has revealed significant reductions in the range of electric vehicles (EVs) compared to their official claimed figures. The tests, conducted in colder conditions, show an average range reduction of 18% compared to summer tests, with some models experiencing a decrease of up to 40%.
The What Car? Real Range tests involve driving EVs until their batteries are fully depleted, providing a more accurate representation of real-world driving conditions than laboratory-based measurements. This testing methodology has been used for over three years, with nearly 60 vehicles assessed, including 30 current showroom models tested in winter.
The tests revealed that the ten worst-performing EVs lost between 80 and 132 miles of their official ranges. For example, the MG4 saw its claimed 281-mile range drop to 196 miles in winter conditions, a 30.2% reduction. Another model – the Kia EV6, officially rated at 328 miles, achieved only 228 miles in the winter test, a 30.5% decrease. In the worst case observed, the Fiat 500e with an official range of 198 miles only managed 118 miles in winter, a 40.4% reduction.
What Car? conducts its winter tests at the Horiba-MIRA proving ground in Warwickshire during colder months, typically between 0 and 2 degrees Celsius. Each vehicle is fully charged, left overnight in these conditions, and then re-charged before testing. The test route includes simulated urban driving, steady 50mph driving, and constant 70mph driving, reflecting typical driving patterns.
The reduced efficiency of lithium-ion batteries in cold weather is a primary factor in the range reduction. Models equipped with heat pumps, which help maintain battery temperature, are less affected. However, most EV drivers should expect to charge more frequently during winter. Unlike internal combustion engines, EVs generate minimal waste heat, meaning the heating system draws power directly from the battery, further impacting range.
What Car? editor Steve Huntingford explained: “Our Real Range testing shows an average drop in the range of 18 per cent of pure electric models in winter versus summer conditions… Models fitted with a heat pump, which helps to maintain the battery’s temperature, are affected less, but drivers of most EVs will need to plan to charge up more often in the winter months.”
It is worth noting, however that the figures are a little over dramatic as What Car? have used the ‘official’ stated range figures rather than the ‘real-world’ numbers. Much like MPG, manufacturers love to overstate these on-paper ranges which also adds to the negative reputation many have of electric vehicles.
Source: Daily Mail
