“Unveiling the Range: What Car?
The latest real-world test conducted by What Car? has shed light on the significant disparities in electric car range efficiency. This comprehensive analysis aims to guide potential buyers in making informed decisions by identifying the most and least efficient electric vehicles on the market. Understanding Electric Car Range Efficiency Electric car range efficiency is a critical factor that determines how far a vehicle can travel on a single charge. It is influenced by various factors, including the vehicle’s battery capacity, power consumption, and driving conditions. Higher efficiency means a longer range, which is crucial for reducing range anxiety among potential buyers. What Car?
The higher the figure, the more efficient the car. The EVs tested included the Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Bolt, Tesla Model 3, and the BMW i3.
The Tesla Model Y Long Range was the most efficient, with a calculated efficiency of 4.2 miles per kWh. The Tesla Model Y Long Range was the most efficient EV tested, with a calculated efficiency of 4.2 miles per kWh. The Audi Q6 e-tron Launch Edition was the least efficient, with a calculated efficiency of 3 miles per kWh. The Kia EV9 RWD Air was the second least efficient, with a calculated efficiency of 3.5 miles per kWh.
The EV9 is a 5-door, 7-seat SUV with a 77.4-inch wheelbase. It has a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 124 mph.
The E-Tech is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that combines a petrol engine with an electric motor. The vehicle’s battery capacity and range are key factors in its performance and efficiency. The E-Tech’s usable battery capacity of 87.0kWh indicates the amount of energy it can store and use for electric driving. This capacity is crucial as it directly influences the vehicle’s electric range, which is the distance it can travel solely on electric power before the petrol engine needs to kick in. The official range of 379 miles is a standard measure provided by the manufacturer, based on specific testing conditions.
The test was conducted by the UK’s RAC, which found that the range was 11.9 per cent lower than the claimed 334 miles. The RAC’s test involved driving the Born in a variety of conditions, including city driving, motorway driving, and mixed driving. The test also included a range of driving styles, from gentle to aggressive. The Born’s battery capacity is 79.0kWh, which theoretically allows it to travel 334 miles. However, the RAC’s real-world test found that the car only managed 294 miles.
Volvo EX30, with a 77.4kWh battery, claimed a range of 300 miles but achieved 290 miles in testing. Both vehicles showcase impressive electric range capabilities, with the i5 slightly outperforming the EX30.
c. The Peugeot e-308 is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that combines a petrol engine with an electric motor. The car’s battery capacity is 50.8kWh, which theoretically allows it to travel up to 254 miles on electric power alone.
The Polestar 2 Long Range is a high-performance electric vehicle (EV) that has been designed to offer an impressive range. With a claimed range of 406 miles, it stands out in the EV market, which is often criticized for having limited range.
The Mini Cooper SE Exclusive is powered by a 134bhp electric motor and a 100kW charging rate. The car is equipped with a 49.2kWh battery and a claimed range of 242 miles. During the test, it covered 211 miles, resulting in a 13 per cent shortfall. The car’s performance is notable for its efficiency and the driving experience it offers. The Mini Cooper SE Exclusive’s electric motor delivers a smooth and responsive acceleration, making it a joy to drive.
The EV’s efficiency is calculated by dividing the distance traveled by the energy consumed. The car’s energy consumption was measured using a portable device that records the energy used during the drive. The device was connected to the car’s battery and monitored throughout the journey. The car’s battery capacity is 57.5kWh, and it claimed a range of 318 miles.
The EV market is becoming increasingly competitive, with a wide range of options available to consumers. One of the key factors influencing the cost of owning an electric vehicle (EV) is the charging method. The Audi Q6 e-tron, for instance, offers a less efficient charging option, resulting in higher costs per mile. In contrast, utilizing public rapid chargers can significantly reduce the cost per kWh, making it a more economical choice for EV owners.
The tests were conducted under various conditions, including different weather scenarios and times of day. The data collected from these tests was then analyzed to assess the impact of these conditions on the car’s performance. The tests were designed to simulate real-world driving conditions as closely as possible. This included a variety of weather conditions, from sunny to rainy, and different times of day, from early morning to late evening. The route included a mix of urban and rural roads, with varying levels of traffic and speed limits. One of the key aspects of the tests was the stop-start urban driving.
The team’s efforts were focused on optimizing the vehicle’s performance, particularly in terms of speed and handling. The testing environment was carefully controlled, with temperature variations kept within a narrow range to ensure consistent results. The team’s dedication to fine-tuning the vehicle’s performance was evident in their meticulous approach to testing and adjustments.
The government is committed to supporting the transition to electric vehicles. The Department for Transport (DfT) has launched a new website to help consumers understand the benefits of electric vehicles.
The EV’s range is determined by the kWh figure, but it’s also influenced by driving conditions and habits. For instance, a car with a 60 kWh battery might travel 200 miles in city driving but only 150 miles on the highway. The EV’s battery size and range are crucial factors for potential buyers, as they directly impact the vehicle’s usability and cost. A larger battery size means a longer range, but it also increases the vehicle’s weight and cost.
The test involved a rigorous battery life assessment, where various devices were subjected to intensive usage scenarios. The aim was to simulate real-world conditions as closely as possible, pushing the devices to their limits. This included tasks such as continuous video streaming, heavy gaming, and prolonged periods of high-intensity usage. The results were quite revealing. Despite the demanding conditions, the batteries performed remarkably well. They demonstrated a high level of resilience and endurance, far exceeding initial expectations. This suggests that concerns about battery longevity, particularly in the context of heavy usage, may be largely unfounded. For instance, one of the devices, a popular smartphone model, was put through a series of tests.
This degradation is primarily due to the natural aging process of the battery cells. However, the study also found that the rate of degradation could be influenced by several factors, including the type of battery, the charging habits of the user, and the operating conditions.