German automobile manufacturers fall behind in electric vehicle range performance
In a recent electric car range test conducted by the Norwegian Automobile Club (NAF) in collaboration with "Motor" magazine, the results have shown a surprising disparity among the participating brands. The German car brand Audi, in particular, ended up in last place, with their e-tron model showing notably weaker real-world range performance compared to some competitors.
The test results revealed that the BMW iX xDrive60 exceeded its official WLTP range by 23 km, demonstrating strong real-world efficiency. Other brands, such as Tesla and Chinese EV makers, also outperformed their official range figures, putting pressure on traditional German automakers.
The Lucid Air emerged as the clear winner, managing an impressive distance of 1,130 kilometers, while the VW ID.Buzz ended up in last place with a range of 613 kilometers. The test included 27 well-known electric cars from various brands, and 15 vehicles from the test met or exceeded the stated norm, potentially reassuring consumers about electric cars for long-distance driving.
Despite the continuous technological advancements in the electric vehicle industry, the latest test showed results that are significantly different from the average range of 425 kilometers, a figure that was achieved a few years ago. These results may be particularly disappointing for Audi, as they strive to compete in the rapidly growing electric vehicle market.
It is worth noting that Germans often cite purchase price, range, and lack of charging options as reasons for not choosing electric cars. The latest test results may help alleviate concerns about range for potential electric car buyers, as more and more vehicles are meeting or surpassing the stated norms.
While BMW notably performed well in the latest round of tests, other German brands such as Audi and Mercedes did not make similarly positive headlines. However, no recent news indicated Mercedes performing poorly outright, but Audi has been singled out over the years for having relatively weak battery range and efficiency compared to peers.
[1] NAF Press Release [3] Bloomberg
- The electric car industry is facing pressure as brands like Tesla and Chinese EV makers outperform their official range figures in tests, putting traditional German automakers like Audi under scrutiny.
- The latest electric car range test results showed that the BMW iX xDrive60 exceeded its official WLTP range by 23 km, demonstrating strong real-world efficiency, while Audi's e-tron model ended up in last place, showing weaker range performance compared to some competitors.
- In contrast to Audi, the Lucid Air emerged as the clear winner with an impressive distance of 1,130 kilometers, potentially reassuring consumers about electric cars for long-distance driving.
- Technology advancements in the electric vehicle industry continue, but the latest test results showed significant differences from the average range achieved previously, which might be particularly disappointing for Audi as they strive to compete in the rapidly growing electric vehicle market.
- Concerns about range for potential electric car buyers may be alleviated as more vehicles meet or surpass the stated norms, but continued poor performance in tests could undermine efforts by brands like Audi to gain consumer trust and market share.
