It is not uncommon to read comments from drivers who claim that the range of their electric vehicles is much less than what they were promised. In most cases, these differences are because many electric vehicle manufacturers only pay attention to one factor, battery performance, but do not take into account other factors such as the terrain’s incline, the user’s weight, the speed, or the care of the electronics. 

To avoid this misleading information and to avoid promises of electric range that cannot be fulfilled, there is a regulation that aims to measure and communicate the correct data: the WLTP cycle. 

In the following article, Rossvolt, as a specialist in electric motorcycles, will explain how the electric vehicle autonomy should be measured in general, what the WLTP cycle is, and what factors it covers. Read on! 

What is the WLTP test cycle?

For a manufacturer to assess and communicate the current autonomy of motorcycles, the results must be based on the WLTP cycle standard. If this does not support the data provided to the buyer, likely, the data provided is far from the reality. 

Suppose each company conducts its tests and presents the numbers according to its criteria. In that case, the result will be very different in each case, offering, in the end, what each manufacturer wants to emphasize. 

The acronym WLTP, Worldwide Harmonised Light vehicles Test Procedure, describes a global standard used to determine the electric consumption of electric vehicles. This is referred to as the WLTP cycle standard when applied to motorcycles. But not only that, it is also used to determine and report the levels of CO₂ pollutants in the atmosphere that all drivers should pay attention to. 

The WLTP test cycle is characterized by an attempt to measure the most representative conditions possibly related to the fuel consumption and emissions of electric vehicles. The measurement process is governed by the SLTP cycle to provide a true and uniform figure for all-electric vehicle manufacturers by the WLTP cycle, which takes into account factors such as vehicle weight, aerodynamic drag, actual traffic, and the vehicle’s extra equipment, as these will largely determine the level of electric range. 

Why was the WLTP cycle standard created?

The WLTP standard was born out of two needs; to conform to a global standard and to replace the old standard, which proved less reliable. 

Previously, the performance of electric vehicles was measured according to the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) protocol. However, this protocol was characterized as being rather poor, as it did not consider any external factors. 

Now, with the new WLTP standard, when an electric vehicle is sold in different countries, its range and the rate of pollutant gases emitted are accepted and measured under the same reference. This makes it possible to offer much more accurate data, as all the autonomy of electric vehicles is calculated under the same parameters, preventing each manufacturer from highlighting what is of interest to them or offering a range figure that is not real. 

How reliable is the WLTP cycle test?

Although the data collected through this test is completely accurate, it is not a 100% reliable test. Although it is closer to the real consumption of the average person, the brands have some leverage, albeit reduced, to boost their advantages over the competition. 

However, the WLTP cycle ensures that all manufacturers consider a series of factors that considerably affect the level of autonomy to extend or reduce it. ¿Cono

What factors influence the autonomy of an electric motorcycle?

The autonomy of an electric motorcycle refers to the maximum distance the vehicle can travel before stopping and requiring the next battery recharge. 

In this sense, the battery of an electric motorcycle is the main responsible for the vehicle’s autonomy, and, although work is constantly being done to try to prolong this range as much as possible, many factors can influence its performance and alter its duration, so the buyer of an electric vehicle must assume that the kilometers that it will travel may vary taking into account the following factors: 

  • Weight. The weight of the occupants and the load can alter the battery’s performance. The heavier the vehicle, the more it consumes. 
  • Performance variation. The battery loses capacity with use. A decrease in performance is evident and predictable as kilometers are traveled and years go by. 
  • Maintenance. Maintenance is also important to ensure service life is in line with the WLTP standard. An appropriate electric motorcycle battery charger should be used, and charging times and cycles should adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions. 
  • Height. Ride height can alter battery charge life by requiring more effort. 
  • Temperature. Temperature also affects performance. Both excessive heat and excessive cold can alter the kilometers traveled. 
  • Type of road. Driving on straight roads is not the same as driving on a winding road. Neither are those with ascents and descents. These factors significantly influence consumption, just as they do with fossil fuels. 
  • Speed. Speed can greatly affect the mileage traveled by increasing or reducing it. 
  • Obstacles. There may be rain, poorly maintained roads, or heavy traffic. These all affect the duration of each charge of electricity. 
  • Add-ons. Adding electrical accessories to the bike or using all available accessories simultaneously will increase the power consumption. 

These are some factors that the WLTP cycle takes into account when establishing the current range of an electric vehicle. Therefore, the main advantage of this regulation is that it obliges all manufacturers to measure their autonomy by considering the same factors, which makes it possible for all manufacturers to offer data measured by the same standards. 

On the other hand, taking care of the electric battery from the beginning, avoiding sudden or fast accelerations, choosing an efficient route, and not overcharging the electric motorbike are some tips that can help extend the battery’s life. 

At Rossvolt, with a focus on innovation and technology and to provide our customers with real and verified data, the autonomy of our electric motorcycles is measured according to the WLTP cycle standard, and all our electric batteries are designed to offer the longest possible range. Would you like to face kilometers and kilometers without limits? Join Rossvolt!