WLTP: Official range… but theoretical

🔍 WLTP: Official range… but theoretical

When looking at an electric car, the range is almost always shown as WLTP.

👉 This is a European standard used to compare vehicles.

In reality:

• Lab testing

• Ideal temperature (~23°C)

• No hills or elevation

• Moderate speeds (not real highway driving)

👉 Result: an optimized number, useful for comparison but not real-life usage

🚗 Real range in Switzerland: what actually happens

In real-world conditions, especially in Switzerland, range is different.

Key factors:

• ❄️ Cold weather (winter impact)

• ⛰️ Mountains (Alps, elevation changes)

• 🛣️ Highways (e.g. Geneva ↔ Lausanne, Zurich ↔ Bern)

• 🔌 Heating / air conditioning

• ⚖️ Vehicle load

👉 Result: range varies significantly

📊 Example with a Tesla Model 3

• WLTP: 513 km

• Mixed driving: ~450 km

• Highway: ~350 km

• Winter: ~280 km

👉 This gap is completely normal

⚖️ WLTP vs real range in Switzerland

Situation Real range WLTP 100%City / mixed 80–90% Highway Switzerland 65–75% Winter Switzerland 50–60%

📍 Why the difference is bigger in Switzerland

• Fast highways

• Mountain terrain

• Cold winters

• Frequent travel between cities like Geneva, Zurich, Lausanne

👉 Result: larger gap vs WLTP than in many countries

💡 How to estimate real range

• 🔵 City: -10 to -20%

• 🟠 Highway: -20 to -30%

• 🔴 Winter: -30 to -40%

👉 Example: 500 km WLTP → 300–350 km real-world

🧠 Key takeaway before buying

👉 Biggest mistake: expecting WLTP in daily driving

🚀 Conclusion

• WLTP = comparison tool

• Real range = your usage

👉 In Switzerland:

• expect ~70% of WLTP

• and ~60% in winter

❓ What is your real range in Switzerland?

It depends on your driving habits (city, highway, winter conditions).