Australian Electric vehicle range comparison - how do these 5 EVs stack up against their WLTP ratings?
Australian consumers are pretty familiar with fuel economy ratings, but things are a little less clear when it comes to the emerging EV market. There are three main standards used around the world; EPA, WLTP, and NEDC. You can find a bit more information regarding the different testing standards on our EV pricing page.
Overnight, the Chasing Cars team shared a video comparing five of the most popular electric vehicles on the Australian market against their advertised WLTP range ratings. The vehicles tested included the Hyundai Kona Electric, the Tesla Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor, Nissan’s Leaf, MG’s ZS EV, and Audi’s e-tron 55 quattro.
The judges established a set of test criteria to eliminate variables and maintain fairness; all vehicles would start the test from 100 percent charge, cruise control and energy recuperation would be activated, “eco” drive modes were enabled, and air conditioning was set to 24 degrees.
The Nissan Leaf was the first casualty, achieving 226km in the test. Image: Chasing Cars via YouTube
Highway roads outside Australia’s capital, Canberra were chosen for the test, with a combination of country roads and dual-carriageway highway, featuring speed limits between 90-110 km/h (56-62 mph). These roads are representative of the regular type of driving Australian motorists undertake, travelling between capital cities and regional centres.
The Nissan Leaf travelled 226 km (140 mi) against a WLTP rating of 270 km (168 mi), while MG’s ZS EV — the cheapest vehicle on the test — managed to achieve 191 km (119 mi against a rating of 263 km (163 mi).
The most expensive (and energy-hungry) vehicle on the test, Audi’s e-tron 55 quattro, claims a 436 km (271 mi) WLTP range, and managed to achieve 392 km (244 mi), while Tesla’s Model 3 Long Range achieved an impressive 508 km (316 mi) against a WLTP rating of 580 km (360 mi).
Hyundai’s Kona Electric and Tesla’s Model 3 Long Range proved the most impressive on the test. Image: Chasing Cars via YouTube
Perhaps the most surprising result was from Hyundai’s Kona Electric, beating its claimed 449 km (279 mi) WLTP range (just), and achieving 450 km. The Kona Electric has always been known for its impressive efficiency, and this result should give reassurance to Hyundai buyers (and those looking at the Kona’s sister vehicle, the Kia Niro Electric) that this crossover can comfortably come close to its range claims.
The Kona Electric has actually just received a mid-life update for 2021, and the WLTP combined range figure has been upped to 484 km (301 mi). The new Kona electric will join the EV Brief garage in July, and we look forward to bringing you a range test shortly after that.
Source: Chasing Cars