NEDC vs. EPA: Overview of differences
When it comes to range, read about NEDC and EPA for electric cars. In this practical tip we have summarized the differences for you. We will also provide you with information about the WLTP certificate.
NEDC vs. EPA - these are the differences
If you read the NEDC range of an electric car, you can confidently subtract at least half of the specified kilometers. You can often only travel a quarter of the distance. The reason for this lies in the test conditions.
- If you would like to purchase an electric car for the future, you can see the information under NEDC and EPA in the vehicle data under Range. The abbreviations stand for New European Driving Cycle or United States Environmental Protection Agency.
- In most cases, the value under NEDC is significantly higher than the value under EPA.
- The big difference: The EPA information is determined from values that have arisen from practical laboratory conditions. Here, both a "city" and "highway" scenario is used, as well as with warm weather with air conditioning and with cold weather with heating. Maximum 129 km / h at the top. It is considered the more accurate test cycle and the range is more realistic.
- The values under NEDC are only determined in the laboratory and the test cycle takes just 20 minutes. In this test, the vehicle is driven four times at a maximum of 50 km / h and an intercity cycle is carried out at a maximum of 120 km / h. However, heating and air conditioning are not taken into account. The average speed is only 34 km / h - too unrealistic, experts criticize.
- You should note that the NBFZ value is not based on real conditions such as temperature, weather conditions and driving style. According to Dekra, the range can be halved if the temperatures drop.
- When charging the batteries, you should also refrain from charging the battery 100% for better range. Here it is enough to load only 80%.
- Another point: the electric car is only loaded with 100 kilograms. As a rule, this is not even enough for two passengers. No wonder that this procedure does not produce a reasonable NEDC value.
More about electric cars on EFahrer.com
Everything about electric cars: You can find current tests and a range calculator on our e-mobility portal EFahrer.com. There you will also find a large advisory area around electric cars.
The new WLTP standard
Since September 2018, all new cars in Germany have required a WLTP certificate. The acronym WLTP stands for Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedures. The new process is expected to deliver more realistic values than NEDC for electric cars. During the test, the electric cars even leave the laboratory and sometimes drive on the road., Examiners can shift into higher gears earlier and thus simulate a sporty driving style. The following test parameters also apply:
- The test track is 23 kilometers long.
- The test takes half an hour.
- The average speed is 47 kilometers per hour.
- The top speed is 131 kilometers per hour.
- Different combinations of motors and gearboxes are measured.
- The weight of additional equipment counts.
In the next practical tip you will learn more about another weak point of electric cars.
Electric cars: the future of mobility?
- Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular and will soon replace internal combustion engines. There is already a nationwide network of over 10, 000 charging stations, only charging takes a long time.
- But new battery technologies could soon bring about a change in electromobility.
- Everything about e-mobility