General

Why do factory specifications sometimes differ from real-life performance?

At DirectLease we always provide the official specifications from car manufacturers based on the WLTP standard. These include range, fuel consumption, charging speed and load capacity. In practice these figures can differ. That is because many factors influence actual consumption, charging time and vehicle performance, regardless of the type of fuel.

Which factors play a role?

The published figures are measured under standardized test conditions. Real-world values are often less favorable than those provided by the manufacturer. In practice the following factors can make a difference:

Driving style
Rapid acceleration and driving at high speeds use more energy than a calm driving style.

Weather conditions
Cold, heat and wind affect energy use and charging speed. Batteries perform best at temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius.

Vehicle load
A heavily loaded car consumes more energy, especially in hilly areas.

Battery level
Electric cars charge faster when the battery is low. Charging slows down as the battery gets closer to full.

Road surface and elevation
Driving on rough surfaces or in mountainous areas requires more energy.

Use of air conditioning or heating
These systems consume additional power or fuel and can reduce range.

Driving conditions
For petrol cars highway driving is usually more efficient than city driving. For electric cars it is the opposite, they generally consume more energy on the highway than in city traffic.

Where can I find realistic consumption and charging data?

Would you like a more accurate picture of what to expect in everyday use? Take a look at:

• The car manufacturer’s website. Here you will find official specifications and additional details such as city and highway consumption.
• ev-database.org. This site offers real-world experiences with electric cars.

Questions?
E-mail: info@directlease.nl
Telefoon: 0541 - 571 710