If you're in the process of buying a new electric vehicle, there's a good chance you'll start your journey online by looking for different information.
In fact, a recent study shows that a potential buyer uses 11.3 sources of information before heading to the dealership to speak with a sales representative.
Which brings us to our topic - during your research, you've no doubt read articles or seen videos from Europe showing different autonomies from Quebec.
In this article, we demonstrate why there is a difference in range between Europe and here, and which standard to rely on.
WLTP, EPA, CLTC: what exactly do they mean?
Around the world, various independent agencies measure the range of electric vehicles, depending on where they are marketed.
The CLTC standard (China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle)
Firstly, there's the CLTC standard, which is specific to China and is used to estimate the range of electric vehicles sold on this market.
This standard aims to reflect typical Chinese driving conditions as closely as possible. That is, it focuses on urban driving scenarios with medium and low speeds, taking into account the many frequent stops due to traffic.
The results tend to show higher autonomies than those calculated by EPA or WLTP standards, as test conditions are less mixed.
The WLTP standard (Worldwide harmonized test procedure for light vehicles)
Then there's the WLTP standard, a test method introduced in 2017 to measure electric vehicle range more realistically than the old NEDC cycle.
It simulates driving conditions closer to the real thing, including various speed phases (low, medium, high, very high) and taking into account stopping, acceleration and deceleration. The test lasts around 30 minutes and covers a distance of 23.25 km.
WLTP is used in Europe and tends to give realistic range figures, but rather generous in relation to drivers' actual use.
The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standard
Finally, there's the EPA standard, which is also used in the USA to measure the range of electric vehicles. Considered one of the most stringent methods, it focuses on more complex driving scenarios, including two main cycles:
- Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule (UDDS): Here, urban driving is simulated, with numerous accelerations, stops and low speeds. This cycle lasts approximately 31 minutes.
- Highway Fuel Economy Test (HWFET): This simulates highway driving, with higher speeds and fewer stops. This cycle lasts around 12 minutes.
In concrete terms, the range figures given by the EPA are often more conservative than in Europe with its WLTP standard. For example, a Volvo EC40 has a range of 486 km with the Single Motor in France, while in Quebec, the range is reduced to 478 km.
Why do car brands have to pass these tests?
There are three important reasons why car brands have to pass these tests.
1. Regulatory compliance
Firstly, tests such as EPA, WLTP or CLTC are required by governments to ensure that vehicles meet energy efficiency standards.
2. Consumer protection
Secondly, these tests provide consumers with standardized, reliable information on the range of vehicles offered for sale. Without these tests, manufacturers could provide misleading figures.
3. Competitiveness and transparency
Standardized testing ensures that all manufacturers are assessed according to the same criteria, enabling fair competition. It also encourages manufacturers to innovate and improve the energy efficiency of their vehicles to remain competitive.
Quebec vs. Europe: What standard for the autonomy of your Volvo?
In practical terms, the EPA standard is the one that comes closest to actual driver use. However, the tests carried out in Ann Arbor, Michigan are not 100% representative of the Quebec climate. Over there, the climate is milder in winter than in Quebec, which means that over this period, range may be affected.
In any case, whether it's the CLTC, WLTP or EPA standard, these figures will never be 100% representative of your daily journeys. It's best to always assume a margin of error of 10% to 15%, depending on the data provided.
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