WLTP cycle: which models have the most electric range?

Which electric cars are the most efficient and have the longest range according to the WLTP homologation cycle? We are going to check it in the following list. Does the result surprise you?

The introduction of the WLTP homologation cycle has made car manufacturers pull up their socks and work much harder on reducing emissions and increasing zero-emission range. That is why it is the right moment to draw up a comparison table with the range and efficiency figures under the WLTP cycle.

For the time being, not all the figures provided by car manufacturers make sense. For example, the Nissan Leaf with a 40 kWh battery has a worse WLTP efficiency rating than the heavier Nissan Leaf e+ with a 62 kW battery. However, if we look at the range rating and compare it with the battery capacity, we see that the “lighter” variant obtains more range per kWh.

Anyway, let us look at some official WLTP rankings that are already available.

Which models are the most efficient according to the WLTP homologation cycle?

These data offer a picture already known from the EPA ranking: premium car manufacturers never had to worry about efficiency, but now they have to if they want a successful transition from ICE (internal combustion engine) to electric cars.

It is also not surprising that the Korean legacy manufacturers Hyundai and Kia have very efficient electric cars, but the Tesla Model 3 is the most impressive, with great range and efficiency, surpassed only by a truly self-recharging car, the Lightyear One.

Lightyear One, what makes it so special?

The Lightyear One is the first electric car that recharges with solar panels. The manufacturer has presented its new prototype, which has become the first long-range solar car in the world.

The new Lightyear One is designed to solve problems associated with traditional electric cars, such as the lack of charging infrastructure and dirty methods of electricity production; the One has been equipped with solar panels on the bonnet and roof.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1Rb_z6p0-Q&feature=emb_logo

The panels cover an area of five square metres and are covered by safety glass that is reportedly strong enough for “an adult to walk on them without causing damage to the bodywork”. While the amount of electricity generated by the panels will vary, Lightyear says the model should be able to add between 50 and 70 kilometres of extra range each day during a summer in the Netherlands.

Over the course of a year, the company has stated that the car could generate approximately 700 kWh of electricity. The company is tight-lipped about the details of the powertrain, but has confirmed that the One has four electric motors built into the wheels and a relatively small battery.

Technical specifications of the cars in this article

CrossoverHyundai Kona18 versions · from 30,190 €

HatchbackNissan Leaf8 versions · from 37,080 €

SedanTesla Model 34 versions · from 36,990 €

CrossoverJaguar I-Pace2 versions · from 95,000 €