Reduction in published WLTP range

[OldSteve]

I'm sure that when I ordered and received my BZ4X (covering a fair amount of time) the official Toyota WLTP range was something in the region of 316 miles for FWD and 285 miles for AWD. I was just having a look at the Toyota specs page and was surprised to see that the published ranges are now 270 miles for FWD and 255 miles for AWD - falls of around 15%. Can anybody shed any light on this, and is it just coincidence that my miles per KWH have fallen through the floor recently? I had been blaming a couple of long motorway journeys undertaken at motorway speeds.

[philip42h]

First, I'm sure that you are correct - the quoted WLTP range figures have dropped just as you observe.

The problem with WLTP figures, just as NEDC figures before them, is that while they are reasonably objective and repeatable, they are not necessarily reflective of real-world performance.

And there are at least two sets for each model - WLTP (TEL) "Test Energy Low" and WLTP (the) "Test Energy High" which test the car with most accessories switched off and then with most accessories switched on. I get the impression that the initial marketing figures were based on WLTP (TEL) results while the current set are based on WLTP (the) results. Note: that is merely my guess. And, clearly, the later figures are likely to be more reflective of real-world performance.

I'm 90% certain that nothing has changed about the actual performance of the bZ4X - just the reporting.

And equally, your car isn't sulking because Toyota marketing have taken a more realistic stance. Two things negatively impact economy - higher speed and lower temperature - and from what you say your more recent figures will have been affected by both.

[TonyHSD]

It doesn’t really matter much because the published figures are always way more optimistic. Usually if you are able to get around 80% of them it is still very good. If the car has a given range of 250 miles, 180 and above in real world are just fine. 

[OldSteve]

On 11/6/2023 at 10:01 AM, TonyHSD said:

It doesn’t really matter much because the published figures are always way more optimistic. Usually if you are able to get around 80% of them it is still very good. If the car has a given range of 250 miles, 180 and above in real world are just fine. 

I would rather be getting 80% of a published 285 than 80% of a published 255. Have the standards changed and other manufacturers also knocked 15% off their WLTP? While it is very much just a guide, published mileage was a very important part of my selection criterion, I'm sure it is for others, and I'm sure it has an effect on the residuals.

[GP Tomi]

I get my bz4x  AWD in August 2023. Never had more than 230 miles range in ideals conditions. In fact, with AC ON didn't get more than 205 miles. Now, at around 0 C outside overnight, the range dropped under 170 miles, I am starting thinking that it is not a very good choice for Quebec drivers. Allso, 6 hours to get from 50% to !00% Battery it is long and it added only 94 miles. I will see how we are at -15 C - -20C outside.....