Motorway speed
Aerodynamic drag rises sharply with speed. A steady 70 mph journey will commonly consume more energy per mile than a mixed laboratory cycle.
Home / Guides / WLTP vs real-world range
WLTP is a ruler,
not a promise.
The official figure is useful for comparing cars tested to the same standard. It is not a guarantee that every driver will cover that distance on a wet February motorway.
The short answer
Real range changes with speed, temperature, wind, rain, tyres, elevation, cabin heating and how much of the battery you choose to use. Compare WLTP-to-WLTP, then plan journeys with a margin.
Cold weather
A cold battery is less efficient, while cabin and battery heating draw energy. Short winter trips can look especially inefficient.
Usable charge window
A 300-mile full-battery figure does not mean 300 miles between every stop. Many drivers plan rapid-charge legs from roughly 10–80%.
Wheel and trim choice
Larger wheels, performance tyres and all-wheel drive can change the official figure even when the model name looks identical.
A practical planning method
- Start with the exact UK trim's WLTP figure, not a similarly named version from another country.
- Look for independent tests at the season and speed closest to your use.
- Plan rapid-charge legs using the part of the battery you expect to use, not 100% every time.
- Keep an extra margin for wind, rain, diversions, queues and unavailable chargers.
Why trim-level data matters
The Geely EX5 illustrates the problem: UK SE, Pro and Max versions use a 60.22 kWh battery, while Ultra uses 68.39 kWh and carries the 280-mile WLTP reference. Writing “EX5: 280 miles” without naming Ultra makes the number look universal when it is not.
Never mix test standards.
CLTC, WLTP and EPA figures come from different procedures. A bigger number under a different test does not prove a longer-range car.