UNDERSTANDING YOUR ELECTRIC RANGE

WE UNDERSTAND THAT RANGE IS A TOP PRIORITY FOR PEOPLE CONSIDERING AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE. THE DISTANCE YOUR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CAN TRAVEL ON A SINGLE CHARGE DEPENDS ON VARIOUS FACTORS, SUCH AS TRAFFIC, HOW YOU DRIVE, AND THE ENVIRONMENT.

To address any concerns you may have about range, we provide helpful information below on the factors that affect battery range the most. We also offer links to real-world range calculators and charts that demonstrate the achievable ranges of our Vauxhall Electrified range of vehicles. This way, you can get a clearer picture of the distances you can comfortably travel without worrying about running out of charge.

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What is the WLTP?

The WLTP, which stands for Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure, is a standardized test used to measure both emissions and electric vehicle range. It is a legally compliant cycle that all vehicle manufacturers adhere to. The WLTP range published by each manufacturer allows for a fair and competitive comparison between different vehicles.

Here are some key parameters of the WLTP test:

• The test is conducted at an outside temperature of 23°C.
• Climate controls such as heating, cooling, and air conditioning are turned off.
• Additional electrical demands like the stereo, navigation, and auxiliary devices are also turned off.
• The test is performed with only the driver in the vehicle, without any passengers.
• The route consists of long urban trips on a straight and flat road, with minimal stop-and-go driving.
• The WLTP test assumes a continuous journey without considering energy losses due to multiple short trips.

It's important to note that these conditions are not typical driving scenarios. However, they provide a standardized and ideal assessment of a car's performance, allowing customers to compare vehicles fairly. In real-world driving, there are several factors that can cause the actual range to be less than the stated WLTP value.

Key factors that influence electric vehicle range

Your driving style plays a crucial role in determining the range of your electric vehicle. There are two main factors to consider: speed and acceleration. By adopting certain practices, you can maximize the range of your vehicle.

Here are some tips to optimize your electric vehicle's range:

• Avoid harsh braking, as it consumes more energy. Opt for gentle and gradual deceleration whenever possible.
• Drive at a moderate speed, as higher speeds can significantly impact your range. Maintaining a consistent and reasonable speed helps conserve energy.
• Reduce the time spent in normal or sport mode, as these modes tend to consume more power. Switching to eco mode can have a noticeable positive effect on your vehicle's range.

Let's take a closer look at the Mokka Electric as an example. Under identical conditions, simply switching from sport mode to eco mode can lead to a significant improvement in range. This demonstrates how your driving mode selection can directly impact the distance you can travel on a single charge.

Factors affecting electric vehicle range

What You Carry: The weight you carry in your vehicle can impact its range. The more weight onboard, the more charge will be consumed. To optimize range, consider removing unused accessories and excess equipment from the back or the boot. Additionally, if you're not using the roof rack, it's recommended to remove it as it creates drag and reduces efficiency.

Tyres: Maintaining the correct tyre pressure is essential for maximizing range. Underinflated tyres require more energy to roll, resulting in decreased range. Regularly check and ensure that your tyres are properly inflated to help optimize your electric vehicle's range.

Thermal Comfort: Achieving a comfortable cabin temperature can impact your vehicle's range, particularly during extreme weather conditions. Heating the car consumes energy directly from the battery. To preserve range while enjoying a comfortable ride, consider using preconditioning. This involves warming or cooling the cabin while the vehicle is still connected to mains power, ensuring a pleasant temperature when you begin your journey.

External Temperature: Weather conditions, especially colder temperatures, can affect both the vehicle's heating requirements and the battery's performance. Extreme hot or cold weather is not ideal for batteries, resulting in a slight reduction in range. For instance, let's take the Corsa Electric traveling at a constant 30 miles per hour as an example to showcase the impact of external temperature on range.

Understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions to maximize the range of your electric vehicle, ensuring efficient and comfortable journeys.

Range Calculator

At Vauxhall, we provide a convenient range calculator that offers a realistic estimate of your electric vehicle's range in real-world driving conditions. This calculator allows you to customize various variables such as driving style, speed, outside temperature, and climate control settings. By adjusting these factors, you can gain a better understanding of the expected range based on your specific preferences and conditions. You can access the range calculator here: Range | Living with an Electric Vehicle | Vauxhall

Range Display

Our Cluster Range Display provides an estimated future range (in miles) based on historical energy consumption data, including heating usage. It's important to note that the range displayed on the cluster may not match the WLTP range, even when the battery is fully charged. Each owner may have a different displayed range at 100% charge, as it varies based on individual driving patterns. For example, an owner who primarily drives in the city will have a different estimated range compared to someone who frequently uses the motorway.

It's crucial for our sales team to explain to customers why they may not achieve the exact WLTP-approved range. Our aim is to help you understand the factors that influence range and suggest ways to maximize the electric vehicle's range. We hope this information assists you in providing comprehensive guidance to potential customers.