Most drivers take quoted range figures for battery electric vehicles with a pinch of salt, but a recent study by What Car? Magazine, has shown that the issue of limited range may be worse than many think, especially in cold weather.  

The publication drove 12 of the best selling EVs from a full charge until they stopped because the battery power was totally drained. The test took place on a 15 mile route at a special test venue and simulated both urban and motorway driving. 

The Chinese Funky Cat model performed the worst. It covered just 130 miles compared to a quoted range of 193 miles, almost 33% less. Two tested Renault Megane E models both fell short of quoted range by 32.1 and 29.9%, while the Cupra Born was 28.7% down on its range estimate. 

Even the better performing models, the Nissan Ariya and the Tesla Model Y, both fell short on quoted range at 16.4% less and 17.8% less respectively.