Now that everything from the Jaguar iPace to the Audi EQ are coming out, it’s time to take a look again at real-world vs. EPA efficiencies. Here are some notes:
Tesla Model X 100D
This car has an EPA rating of 295 miles with a 100kWH battery, that translates into 338 WH/mile. The big variables here are rain and snow (10%) and temperature (another 10%). Abetterrouteplanner.com seems to be very accurate at this and after running for a few months, it looks like an estimate based on 304WH/mile at 65mph is a good estimate for the 100D. This is about a 3% improvement over the specification which just about cancels the expected 2-5% loss in battery life that happens a the battery normally ages.
Obviously, driving style and the mix of city/highway has a lot to do with this, but looking at our own driving habits. The big factors here are a) drafting, following big trucks increases efficiency by 5% of so and b) chill mode which reduces the acceleration and braking that happen and c) having high tire pressures above the 42 psi recommended
Tesla Model 3 Performance
This car has an EPA rating of 310 miles with what is presumed to be a 75kWH battery or 241 WH/mile. However, this is an estimate that is the same for the single motor long range, the dual motor and the performance version with the 20″ performance wheels. One funny note is that older tires do get more efficient, they are less grippy and harder which helps efficiency.
Most folks think that the Performance version probably has a 10% penalty because of the wheels alone. This by the way is a very slippery car with a Cd of 0.22.
Another note is that the heater does heat recovery, so unlike the Bolt, using the heat seats is about the same as using the heater in a Model 3.
And that the LR real world range is much higher. In looking at Model 3 Owners Club reports, some of the big factors seem to be elevation which reduces wind resistant. But folks in Albuquerque are showing 199Wh/mile in the LR with Aero wheels configuration. But a more typical fella in San Diego does more like 247wH/mile.
Initial reports for the Model 3 Performance with the Performance Upgrade, so the big tires show that it is more like 280wH/mile which is more like 267 miles range. You would expect maybe a 10% reduction from 310 so 289 miles.]
Chevy Bolt
This car has a 238 mile range with 60kWH battery or 252wH/mile. This car is quite boxy and is much less efficient above 70 mph, so you would be well to keep it there.
Also in cold weather, it definitely loses 10% and in the rain really hurts. WE are lucky to get 170 miles on days like that. And the lack of a supercharger network definitely hurts. The fastest available DC chargers are 50kW and typically there is only one per stop. Nothing like the superchargers.
