Range

The days when electric vehicles were only good for short trips are long gone

Battery range on the rise

Developments in battery range are progressing at a rapid pace: nowadays, electric cars offer considerable range and with it all the freedom you could wish for. Ranges of 250 to 300 km¹ or more are standard - and the limits are constantly being pushed upwards. Find out more about the topic here.

How electric car range is calculated

The globally standardised measurement method for the range of electric cars is called the "Worldwide harmonised Light-Duty Vehicle Test Procedure" - WLTP for short.

Sometimes you also read NEDC: it refers to the "New European Driving Cycle", but this test method for Europe was replaced by the WLTP in 2021.

The new WLTP driving cycle provides more realistic consumption figures, taking into account situations that are closer to everyday life than the NEDC standard - the best way to estimate your daily consumption.

WLTP stands for:

More realistic driving dynamics and outside temperature.
Larger test distance
Higher average and maximum speeds
Less idle time
More braking and acceleration

Read more about the NEFC and WLTP measurement methods here.

¹ The above values were determined using the WLTP test procedures (Regulation (EC) No. 715/2007 and Regulation (EU) No. 2017/1151). The actual range may vary under everyday conditions and depends on various factors, in particular personal driving style, route conditions, outside temperature, use of heating and air conditioning, thermal preconditioning.

Electric range test method

There are two common test procedures worldwide for the range of electric cars: WLTP (Worldwide harmonised Light-Duty Vehicle Test Procedure) and EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency). Both determine their data very close to everyday practice.

In the NEDC test, which will be used in Europe until 2020, the test possibilities were less realistic: the average speed was 34 km/h, the vehicle was only loaded with 100 kg (which does not even correspond to the driver and passenger) and real-life conditions such as temperature, weather conditions and driving style were not taken into account.

The two test methods commonly used today give you a better chance of realistically estimating the range of your electric car: The average speed is 46.5 km/h (maximum 131 km/h), the duration of the test has been increased from 21 to 30 minutes.

The WLPT also examines all available engine-transmission combinations - as well as optional equipment that also influences the weight and aerodynamics of the vehicle. Furthermore, measurements are taken at 23 °C and also at 14 °C, which corresponds to the average temperature in Europe.

What can influence range?

Driving in cold weather, especially in winter, and also using the heater: both adversely affect the range of your electric car.

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How far can an electric car go?

The maximum range of the Corsa-e as measured by WLTP is up to 337 km1 with a fully charged battery. However, this value may vary in everyday driving and depends on factors such as your personal driving style, the type of route and altitude metres covered, the outside temperature, use of heating and air conditioning and possible additional weight.

What has the greatest impact on the range of an electric car?

The biggest influence on range is definitely your driving style. High speed and frequent acceleration mean that you can drive less far with your electric car. However, since the range is constantly recalculated, you always have the option of adjusting your driving style.