HYUNDAI and Kia have had to revise the range figures for their new EVs, the Kona Electric and e-Niro under the new WLTP test procedure.
In testing the Korean models to establish their homologated electric vehicle driving range, the independent organisation overseeing the process accidentally provided an incorrect testing methodology and then approved the results it generated.
This led to the vehicles being tested for a disproportionate length of time on the WLTP ‘urban’ cycle – comprising lower overall vehicle speeds and a reduced energy requirement – resulting in an overestimation of their all-electric range.
The Kona in 39kWh specification is recalculated with an AER combined range of 289kms (180 miles). The AER of Kona Electric 64kWh is due to be recalculated with a range of 449kms (279 miles).
Kia Motors previously communicated that the WLTP combined cycle range for the e-Niro was 485kms (301 miles) for the long-range 64 kWh battery pack, and 312kms (193 miles) for the standard (39.2 kWh) battery pack.
Having now re-calculated the car according to the updated methodology, the e-Niro’s new WLTP combined cycle range is 455 kilometres (282 miles) for the long-range model, and 289 kilometres (179 miles) for the standard model.
The inconsistency in the test cycles has been identified due to ongoing homologation work by the brands.
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