EV Range converter

Select a standard and input the range value.

WLTP

700

EPA

700

NEDC

700

CLTC

700

Understanding EV Range Standards: WLTP, EPA, NEDC, and CLTC

Electric vehicle (EV) range standards are used worldwide to estimate how far an EV can travel on a single charge. However, these standards differ in methodology, test conditions, and real-world accuracy. Understanding these differences is crucial for comparing EVs and making accurate conversions between standards.

WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure)

WLTP is the current global standard for measuring EV range, adopted in Europe and many other regions. It uses a 30-minute, four-phase driving cycle (low, medium, high, extra high speeds) at 23°C, simulating both city and highway conditions. WLTP includes charging losses, making its consumption figures more realistic than older standards. However, real-world range can still be lower due to factors like temperature, speed, and driving style.

  • More accurate than NEDC, but still optimistic compared to real-world driving.
  • WLTP Combined Range is the most commonly published value.
  • Conversion formula: WLTP = NEDC × 0.85

EPA (Environmental Protection Agency, USA)

EPA is the US standard, known for being the most conservative and closest to real-world results. It combines urban and highway cycles, then applies a correction factor (typically 0.7) to reflect real driving. EPA range is usually lower than WLTP or NEDC for the same vehicle.

  • Best for estimating real-world range, especially in North America.
  • Conversion formula: EPA = WLTP / 1.168

NEDC (New European Driving Cycle)

NEDC was the European standard before WLTP. Developed in the 1970s, it uses a simple, low-speed test cycle and does not account for modern driving conditions. As a result, NEDC range figures are overly optimistic and not representative of real-world use.

  • Often much higher than WLTP or EPA for the same car.
  • Conversion formula: NEDC = WLTP / 0.85

CLTC (China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle)

CLTC is the Chinese standard, designed for local driving habits. It is even more optimistic than WLTP, lacking the high-speed phase and resulting in higher range estimates. CLTC is mainly used for vehicles sold in China.

  • CLTC figures are the highest and least representative of real-world range.
  • Conversion formula: CLTC = WLTP / 0.82

Why Do We Need to Convert Between Standards?

Each standard uses different test cycles, speeds, temperatures, and assumptions. This means the same EV can have very different range numbers depending on the standard used. Converting between standards helps you compare vehicles fairly, understand what to expect in your region, and make informed decisions when buying or evaluating an EV.

Conversion formulas (like those above) are based on statistical analysis of many vehicles. They provide a useful estimate, but real-world range will always depend on your driving style, climate, and road conditions.

Sources: EVDB NZ: WLTP Explained