VW Proves Driving Behaviour Plays Pivotal Role In Maximising EV Range
All electric vehicle models are marketed with WLTP range claims. WLTP, which stands for Worldwide Harmonized Light-Duty Vehicles Test Procedure is a set of conditions and tests that simulate real world conditions to determine maximum range. For most of us, it’s close to impossible to achieve the claimed range, which is what makes VW’s latest feat an impressive achievement.
Volkswagen Team Switzerland headed by project lead Felix Egolf managed to drive a fully charged VW ID.7 Pro S over 794km. This far exceeded the WLTP combined range of 700km stated by VW itself, which speaks volumes in terms of the effect of one’s driving behaviour.
The vehicle was driven around an 81 km route through the Zug metropolitan area south of Zurich, Switzerland. It covered main through-roads, motorway sections and country roads with hilly transitions. It took place during the day in normal traffic flow with the car achieving an average speed of 51 km/h.
A total of eight different drivers were involved in the drive which took 15 hours and 42 minutes to complete. Even after covering 794 km, the VW ID.7 Pro still had 2% residual charge left over. The average power consumption exhibited was 10.3kWh/100km which is significantly lower than the WLTP value of 13.6.
The test vehicle wasn’t a barebones, stripped out test mule but instead was equipped with the comfort package, IQ.DRIVE assist systems package, Plus exterior package and a heat pump. Despite this, the team still managed to surpass the WLTP range.
The ID.7 Pro S is supposed to offer a combined WLTP consumption of between 16.2 to 13.6kWh/100km. The variant equipped with tech that maximizes range can achieve 709 km on a single charge, which was not what was used during this test.
VW says that when plugged into a fast-charging outlet (200kW) for 10 minutes, the car should have enough juice to cover 200 km. It takes just 26 minutes to charge from 10 to 80%, which is in line with other expensive EVs on the market.
Buyers can also opt for the optional Electric Vehicle Route Planner, which calculates an optimum route by considering the current battery charge, real-time traffic data and the available charging outlets along said route. The system shows drivers the best charging points and factors in the necessary charging stops that are needed to reach the destination.
VW’s test proves that conservative driving behaviour makes a significant difference during each journey. It improves the fuel consumption/range of any vehicle. As such, any car, when driven with good “accelerator discipline” can return economical results.
Fuel consumption or driving range of any vehicle depends on driving style, speed during each journey, use of A/C and other electrical systems, ambient temperature, passenger load and health of the car itself. These factors determine if you can reach or surpass the WLTP claim of the manufacturer.
