04 / The workshop
UK localCurrent UK local time:Small experiments. Observable consequences.
Ideas you can
put to work.
Forensic simulation of real-world EV battery consumption, ambient temperature degradation, aerodynamic drag, and auxiliary HVAC loads beyond nominal WLTP lab ratings.
Operational Engineering Models
001Range Impact Simulator
One EV. Seven variables.
Where does the energy go?
Tool 001 / Interactive model
Range Impact Simulator: Forensic EV Energy Model
London → Manchester / 200 mi
000 / 200 mi · 100% charge
Forensic engineering methodology & energy accounting +
A forensic scenario simulation modeling why real-world EV range diverges from laboratory WLTP cycle baselines. Assumes a 100% initial State of Charge (SoC), constant operating conditions, and unbroken transit on a 200-mile benchmark route (London to Manchester). Reference vehicle: 70 kWh nominal pack, 167 Wh/km nominal consumption, 261-mile WLTP baseline.
Thermal kinetics & electrochemistry: Cold ambient temperatures increase lithium-ion electrolyte viscosity and elevate internal cell resistance (Rint), reducing usable pack discharge capacity while demanding auxiliary PTC resistive or heat-pump cabin heating. Anchored to empirical cold/hot degradation points: 41% range loss at −6.7°C and 17% loss at 35°C with bounded interpolation.
Aerodynamic power dissipation: Aerodynamic drag power scales cubically with velocity (Paero = ½ ρ Cd A v3). At 60 mph cruising speed, aerodynamic resistance accounts for 35% of total tractive energy, accelerating battery depletion non-linearly between 55 mph and 70 mph motorway speeds.
Payload mass & rolling friction: Additional payload increases tractive rolling resistance (Frr = crrm g) and inertial kinetic penalties during speed adjustments. Multipliers compound in sequence across temperature, HVAC mode, payload mass, driving style, and topographical road profiles.
Baseline route energy 53.6 kWh → scenario demand 59.7 kWh. Available usable capacity 66.5 kWh. The telemetry chart halts state-of-charge depletion at 0% and computes any route reserve shortfall above.