The Norwegian Automobile Association (NAF) conducted the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) test on June 6, 2023, revealing significant improvements in the average range of electric cars. Since NAF initiated these tests in winter 2020, the average range of test vehicles has increased by a substantial 130 kilometres.
Among the 32 cars put to the test by 64 drivers and co-pilots, the latest Tesla Model S outperformed all others by setting a new distance record. In the 2020 summer test, a Tesla Model S managed a distance of 645 kilometres. The upgraded version tested this year surpassed this figure, managing an impressive 672 kilometres, thereby outdoing another Tesla vehicle, the Model 3, which held the 2021 record.
The overall distance covered by the cars in the test amounted to 15,543 kilometres. This distance is equivalent to a drive from Alta to Cape Town via Finland, Russia, and Turkey, a journey that would take over nine days.
Test manager for electric cars at NAF, Anette Berve, noted that while the weather during the test was excellent, the sub-20-degree temperatures and windy conditions in certain areas did impact the vehicles’ range performance. This underscores the fact that weather conditions, including temperature and wind, can affect an electric car’s range, even during summer.
Despite six tow trucks being on standby, some of the cars managed to roll themselves into charging stations when they ran out of power. The first car to stop was the BYD Atto 3, which halted after covering 364 kilometres, just beyond the Folldal exit.
Although competition in the EV sector continues to heat up, Berve confirmed that “Tesla holds onto the range throne,” as the company’s Model S model not only outlasted all other cars but also exceeded its stated range, all the way to its final kilometre until it needed to be towed.
