The Austrian Automobile Club ÖAMTC, in cooperation with its Norwegian partner association NAF, conducted the summer edition of the range test “El Prix”.
In this test, 24 current electric vehicles were driven to a complete standstill on a standardized test track in Norway. The aim of this testing format, established in 2020, is to determine the discrepancy between theoretical laboratory values according to the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) and actual everyday consumption. Under moderate summer temperatures between 13 and 18 degrees Celsius, the vehicles tested showed an average deviation of only 0,2 percent below the official manufacturer specifications, indicating an increased accuracy of the standardized measurement methods.
Behind the seemingly homogeneous average value, a closer analysis of the individual data reveals significant differences between the various manufacturers and vehicle classes. While exactly half of the test vehicles met or exceeded the WLTP specifications, other models fell significantly short. The range of deviations fluctuated from plus 11,4 percent to a deficit of minus 11,7 percent. While European premium brands such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz delivered relatively consistent values within their declared range, some Asian import models in particular showed volatile results. For example, the Xpeng X9 performed best in terms of exceeding the range, while the MG IM6 fell short of the official factory specification by the most.
While automotive experts consider the results a helpful guide for consumers, they point out the specific conditions of the Norwegian test environment. The Norwegian road network is characterized by strict speed limits, resulting in a lower proportion of high-revving motorway driving compared to Central European traffic conditions. Since air resistance increases exponentially at higher speeds, real-world driving ranges on motorways in Germany or Austria are likely to be significantly lower than on the Norwegian circuit. Furthermore, the test field included various models from brands such as Changan, Dongfeng, and Lucid, which are not yet widely available in the Central European market, thus limiting the immediate relevance for local buyers.
The summer classic's claims only tell half the story in everyday driving. Critical market observers emphasize that the chemical processes in lithium-ion batteries are highly temperature-dependent. The real test of everyday usability is the corresponding winter test, where range losses due to the heating requirements of the passenger compartment and reduced battery efficiency can plummet by up to 30 percent. Therefore, consumers must compare both test scenarios to make an informed purchase decision and avoid unpleasant surprises when driving in winter conditions.