THE TRUTH ABOUT WLTP RANGE AND WHY YOU SHOULD IGNORE IT

EV Channels Review

This video critically examines the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), arguing that while useful for comparing vehicles within a manufacturer's lineup or against competitors, it is largely unrealistic for predicting real-world fuel efficiency and range. The presenter highlights that WLTP tests are conducted in a controlled laboratory environment at 23°C for approximately 30 minutes over 14 miles, using four speed ranges. This procedure, originating from the need to address discrepancies revealed by 'Dieselgate', is found to be particularly misleading for plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs). For PHEVs, the quoted MPG figures can be astronomically high and unachievable in practice, failing to account for the reliance on electric power. For EVs, the WLTP range is often unattainable, especially in colder temperatures (which significantly reduce efficiency by 20-40%) or at higher motorway speeds where aerodynamic drag is a major factor. The presenter suggests a more conservative real-world efficiency estimate for EVs (e.g., 2.5 miles per kWh) as a more reliable benchmark than WLTP figures. The core message is that WLTP should be treated as a comparative tool, not a definitive real-world predictor, and manufacturers' reliance on it creates customer disappointment.