Hyundai, Kia Correct WLTP EV Range Figures

Greg Hyde

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5th December 2018

Hyundai and Kia have issued corrected figures for the process of homologating two electric vehicles to the World Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP).

Hyundai says the “independent organization” it contracted to test its new Kona Electric’s driving range “accidentally provided an incorrect testing methodology and then approved the results it generated”. It claims this meant the car was “tested for a disproportionate length of time on the WLTP ‘urban’ cycle – comprising lower overall vehicle speeds and a reduced energy requirement”, meaning the car’s overall driving range was “overestimated”.

Separately, Kia has announced that its new e-Niro was affected by the same problem. It said it “is proactively communicating with customers who may have already ordered” the vehicle.

Hyundai is revising the driving range for the 39kWh Kona to 289 kilometers (179 miles) and that for the 64kWh Kona to 449 kilometers (279 miles). Kia said the new 39kWh e-Niro’s driving range is 289 kilometers (179 miles) and the 64kWh model’s is 455 kilometers (282 miles), down from incorrect estimates of 312 kilometers (193 miles) and 485 kilometers (301 miles) respectively.