How valid is an impressive electric-only range claim if it bases on a disputed test?

AN impressive electric range proclaimed for an impending new plug-in hybrid car having apparently resulted from using a questionable measuring tool has not inhibited the distributor from spruiking it.

However, GWM has indicated it might adjust its claim citing the impending new H6 PHEV can achieve up to 180 kilometres on electric oomph alone - ostensibly a class-leading breakthrough - should a different testing method, now favoured by New Zealand, show another result.

It agrees the original range claim for the model arriving in the first quarter of next year to site as a $58,990 flagship was certified using a measurement process developed in the 1980s and junked here almost three years ago due to recognised flaws.

Some brands still cite New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) determinations even though distributors are aware this tool no longer has preferred standing here. 

New Zealand has moved to a new global standard, WLTP - the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Testing Procedure - citing it to be a much more accurate gauge of energy economy and emissions, though that is also often questioned.

WLTP was adopted here because in relying heavily on data taken from real-world drive cycles, it more accurately represents real-world fuel consumption. On that strength, it is considered more credible.

WLTP came into being in Europe, where it was devised, in 2018 and, for new vehicle distributors here, adoption began on December 1, 2021, the process overseen by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).

However, the switchover appears one of official expectation, rather than mandate.

A factor here is that GWM is one of many brands which has a regional office in Australia; the release relating the range claim came from there. That’s relevant because in Australia WLTP isn’t officially supported. That’s because it also has Australian Design Rules, which rely on NEDC.

Consumers need be aware that what’s without doubt is that WLTP usually results in less flattering numbers than NEDC. ECCA says the testing regimes are so different the outcomes cannot be compared.

The GWM H6 PHEV’s exact WLTP figure seems to be elusive. In talking about the model last year, brand officials in Australia were reported then as saying the car would achieve an electric driving range “well above 100km” on WLTP, but were not more specific.

In response to the matters raised in this story, GWM’s regional office has said it will now seek a WLTP figure.

“Upon liaising with our team, I have confirmed that NEDC remains the current standard for Australia under local ADR testing,” said GWM public relations manager Justin Stefani. 

“As NZ have moved to WLTP, we will publish /advertise this result in NZ once it has been signed off by our head office team and received at our end.”

Also headline-making is the maker’s cited combined petrol and electric driving range being in excess of 1000km.

The make has expressed optimism about the H6 PHEV, its first entry into the evolving but also embattled plug-involved battery-reliant, petrol-wed sector.

The model will price above a pure petrol variant that came out three years ago and will conceivably compete with three other cars, two from China.

The best-established rival is the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV,  which in very latest form updates from a 20kWh battery to a 22.7kWh type that cites 86km electric driving on WLTP.

Another contender is the recently landed BYD Sealion 6, which offers a claimed 92km. The official combined fuel consumption figure is expected to be less than one litre per 100 kilometres, undercutting the Sealion 6’s figure of 1.1L/100km.

Also in the mix is conceivably a new generation of MG HS PHEV, which comes next year and whose figure has yet to be stated.

Earlier this week GWM head of marketing and communications Steve Maciver said the PHEV represents as a significant milestone that showcases “our commitment to pioneering EV solutions that enhance the driving experience without compromise.”

He says the set-up ensures peace of mind on longer journeys and addresses customer concerns around ‘range anxiety’.

The variant gets a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 110kW/230Nm on its own, while three further electric motors (two on the front axle, one on the rear for all-wheel drive) bump the combined output to a substantial 342kW/762Nm. These are fed by a 35.4kWH battery.

That rear motor is paired with its own two-speed transmission to boost wheel-end torque by 30 percent.

The PHEV supports DC fast charging, but only up to 48kW. Replenishing the battery from 30 percent to 80 percent takes less than 30 minutes. The time required to replenish to 100 percent is not given.

The H6GT PHEV is based on the Ultra model, so equips fulsomely, with a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, a power tailgate, a head-up display, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.