EV Range: EPA vs WLTP vs CLTC
Range is one of the most misunderstood EV specifications. It depends heavily on the test procedure, the driving cycle, and environmental factors. This article defines the major global standards—EPA, WLTP, CLTC, and MIDC—and explains why they differ so widely.
What "Range" Really Measures
Range is the estimated distance an electric vehicle can travel on a full battery under standardized laboratory conditions. It is not a guarantee of real-world driving distance but a benchmark for comparison. Each region’s test cycle uses its own speed profile, temperature, and load assumptions, producing different results for the same vehicle.
Global Range Standards Compared
| Test Cycle | Region / Authority | Typical Speed Pattern | Temperature Range | Result Tendency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EPA | United States (Environmental Protection Agency) | City / Highway mix with aggressive acceleration | 20–30 °C | Most conservative "real-world" |
| WLTP | Europe (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure) | Low–medium–high–extra-high phases, moderate acceleration | 23 °C | 15–20 % higher than EPA |
| CLTC | China (China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle) | Lower average speeds, frequent stops | 25 °C | 30–40 % higher than EPA |
| MIDC | India (Modified Indian Driving Cycle) | Urban-biased, stop–go pattern | Ambient | 40–50 % higher than EPA (similar to CLTC) |
Why the Numbers Differ
- Speed and acceleration: EPA cycles reach higher average speeds and more realistic acceleration loads than WLTP or CLTC.
- Test temperature: Most labs use ~23 °C; real-world cold weather can reduce range by up to 40 %.
- Auxiliary loads: HVAC, infotainment, and lights are often switched off during tests.
- Weight assumptions: Some cycles use the lightest variant; EPA uses adjusted test mass.
- Charging cutoffs: Most cycles assume 100 %–0 % discharge, though real use rarely exceeds 90–10 %.
The "Real Range" Concept
Some sources publish a Real Range estimate, reflecting expected distance under mixed weather and driving conditions. While useful, this metric is not standardized and depends on internal modeling.
- Warm weather highway driving: ~85–90 % of value
- Cold weather city driving: ~50–60 % of value
- Typical mixed use: ~70–75 % of value
Good rule of thumb: Real-world range is ~60–70 % of the listed value.
Conversion Guidelines (Approximate)
| From | To | Adjustment Factor | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| WLTP -> EPA | × 0.82 | Reduce by ~18 % | 400 km WLTP ˜ 328 km EPA |
| CLTC -> WLTP | × 0.85 | Reduce by ~15 % | 700 km CLTC ˜ 595 km WLTP |
| MIDC -> WLTP | × 0.80 | Reduce by ~20 % | 500 km MIDC ˜ 400 km WLTP |
These conversions are statistical approximations for comparison only.
Range Display Policy
- Primary range value: official cycle used in the vehicle’s home market.
- Secondary range values: converted approximations shown in parentheses where applicable.
- Vehicles with multiple trims show a single median value, not the highest theoretical figure.
- Range articles link to “Top 10 Range Factors” for real-world expectations.
Real-World Factors that Modify Range
- Ambient temperature (battery chemistry sensitivity)
- Driving speed and aerodynamic drag
- Terrain elevation and gradient
- Load (passengers, cargo, trailer)
- HVAC usage and seat heating
- Tire size and compound
- Regenerative braking efficiency
- Battery age and state of health
