Are You Being Misled About Your Electric Car's Range? Differences Can Reach Up to 22%

If you're considering purchasing an electric car, the range figure advertised by manufacturers might not be as accurate as it seems. The Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU) has issued a serious warning, estimating that the declared range of an electric vehicle is, on average, 15% higher than the actual range, with discrepancies reaching up to 22% in some models.

This practice, although legal under the WLTP homologation protocol, generates significant distrust among consumers and could hinder the expansion of electric cars in Spain.

The OCU study, which analysed the range of 31 electric vehicle brands, reveals that this discrepancy is due to the WLTP international protocol allowing manufacturers to use consumption measurements under ideal conditions, at 23ºC, the most favourable temperature of the cycle, without considering the energy losses inherent in the charging process.

For instance, some electric models claim a range of 376 kilometres, but the figure calculated by the OCU, based on the homologated consumption and the actual capacity of its battery, is 328 kilometres: a difference of 48 kilometres, or 15% more than the actual range.

In light of this situation, the OCU demands greater transparency from brands. The organisation calls for the use of complete vehicle consumption data according to the WLTP protocol, without "makeup" that artificially enhances the figure. Beyond that, the OCU insists on a key demand for drivers: that brands provide information on the range measured specifically in motorway cycles. This is the most reduced figure, but crucial and more useful for consumers when planning long trips outside their locality.

In addition to transparency in range, the OCU emphasises that to truly promote sustainable mobility, a substantial improvement in charging infrastructure is essential. The organisation calls for the massive installation of chargers, both slow and affordable on public roads (essential for the 9 million motorists without their own garage), as well as fast charging points on major roads, vital for long-distance travel.

Finally, the OCU also sends a clear message to the Government, urging it to improve the management of the Plan Moves subsidies. The organisation demands that these grants be automated and deducted directly at the time of vehicle purchase, thus avoiding the long waits of months that discourage many buyers. "Sustainability cannot be an exclusive privilege for a few," concludes the OCU, appealing for measures that democratise access to electric vehicles.