My electric car range isn’t accurate

My electric car range isn’t accurate

The concept of an electric car or van is no longer a new one in the UK’s automotive market. The novelty of electrification is very much wearing off and mass-adoption of these new vehicles is well underway. As you would expect, the increasing volume of EVs is creating more quandaries, queries and conundrums for personal and business customers alike.

What we are seeing is that some customers are perhaps a little too quick to jump into their EV without considering the full spectrum - leasing a new electric car is a lifestyle choice! Without considering all of the relevant details, we are seeing immediate frustration with their vehicles followed by a difficulty in speaking with finance companies/car manufacturers due to COVID restrictions. Unfortunately, the impact of the pandemic has affected many businesses and service levels are not perhaps as stellar as we would normally expect.

Should I rely on maximum distance figures for an electric car?

The “range” or distance an electric car will travel is almost certainly the main consideration when choosing an electric car. While we have moved to the WLTP standards of testing, which replaced the more flexible and seemingly inaccurate NEDC methods, it is crucial to pay specific attention to more than a headline maximum distance.

What we want to avoid in the electric car lease industry is a repeat of the “Dieselgate” and MPG scandals which still continue from early 2000. It is these types of scandals which make a customer more sensitive and distrustful. However, before jumping to a conclusion, we try to make sure a customer knows exactly what they are likely to experience during their EV journey.

What is the real range I can get from an electric car?

With regards to the electric car range, we do use the WLTP EV range. However, we have also partnered with the EV database to provide “real world” ranges for our customers. For example, the most cost-effective and bestselling electric car leasing option is the Tesla Model 3 Long Range (currently the UK’s favourite car).

One of the main features of the Tesla is its range compared to other car options and makes this the only vehicle to consider for high-mileage users. However, what you need to consider is that the WLTP figures show a range of just over 350 miles but this needs to be considered against key factors:

• Weather: Electric vehicles are affected by the seasonal changes. In winter, you will notice that the performance of your EV is generally much lower than in spring or summer. The batteries in an EV perform better at certain temperatures. With frosty starts to our mornings, the car must use the energy in the battery to create this ambient temperature before moving on to warming the vehicle and powering it. This draws charge from your battery;

• Charging infrastructure: With specific reference to the above, if you are charging your vehicle at home, we would recommend you have the vehicle connected to your charge point in the morning. This is because it is more efficient to use the charge point to warm the battery than it is to use the batteries own energy to create this warmth. Many cars allow a “pre-heat” or “pre-condition” function via a phone app or this can be scheduled via the car itself. Unless you live near a charge point or have one at work, we do strongly recommend you consider impact on your lifestyle which will be brought about by this situation. For the best charge point location app, consider using Zap Map and their Zap Pay system;

• Driver behaviour: Not unlike a combustion engine, the way in which you operate a vehicle will determine the efficiency you have. If you are operating a Tesla in Sport mode, while the vehicle is more fun to drive and more responsive, this is far less energy efficient than Chill mode. In the same way, quick acceleration and higher motorway speeds will drain the battery quicker than careful acceleration and smaller stop/start journeys. While your lights/heated seats/vehicle facets will influence this too, these are far less impactive than your general driver styles and behaviours.

Cold weather and quicker speeds can impact the real range of the vehicle

What is the real range of a Tesla Model 3 Long Range?

Just to illustrate the impact of this, consider the real range estimate of a Model 3 Long Range below. While 360 miles is achievable, notice the impact cold weather and quicker speeds can have on the vehicle - some 150 miles less than the WLTP estimate:

Tesla MODEL 3 SALOON Performance AWD 4dr [Performance Upgrade] Auto

In terms of the car shown, the Tesla MODEL 3 SALOON Performance AWD 4dr [Performance Upgrade] Auto [Pure Electric Vehicle], this is based on the following configuration:

As standard, the Tesla Performance provides base autopilot, 15” touchscreen, climate control, 20” alloy wheels, 60/40 split folding seats, adaptive cruise.

Adaptive steering, ambient lighting, auto dimming/folding/heated door mirrors, DAB radio, front parking sensor, front traffic camera, keyless entry, LED headlights and daytime running lights, lane departure warning.  Park assist camera, performance brake callipers, premium audio with 14 speakers and a subwoofer/amp, heated front and rear seats, rear camera.

Rear parking sensor, tinted glass roof, traffic sign recognition, alarm, immobiliser and a power boot lid. In terms of additional options, consider adding - the upgraded interior and full self-driving capability.

On the technical side, company car and business can note the P11d at £56,435 and CO2 at 0 g/km.

The 82 kWh battery offers 377kW of power, 162mph top speed and a 0-62 time of 3.3 seconds.

While the WLTP range is 350 miles, this will be circa 250 winter and may even exceed 350 miles in warmer temperatures.

For charging, the Tesla is blessed with the best charging capability on the market. Expect an 11kW AC charging unit to offer full charge in over 8 hours and a super-fast charging Tesla unit can get 20-80% in 20 minutes (presuming it is a 250kW DC option)!

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