2023 Lordstown Endurance EPA range rating reveals terrible efficiency at only 48 MPGe falling far behind other pickups.
The Lordstown Endurance, the first all-electric pickup truck manufactured in the US, has been a topic of interest for EV enthusiasts and industry experts alike. The 2023 Lordstown Endurance is equipped with a 109-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery, making it one of the largest batteries in the market. However, the actual range of the truck was found to be lower than anticipated, with just 174 miles (280 km) EPA combined range. In this blog post, we will dive deeper into the reasons behind the Lordstown Endurance’s lower-than-expected range.
Battery Technology:
Although the truck has a large battery, the battery technology used is cylindrical lithium-ion cells. These cells have lower energy density than prismatic cells used in other EVs, which means the size of the battery needs to be larger to achieve the same range. The larger size of the battery also adds extra weight to the truck, reducing its range.
Aerodynamics:
Pickup trucks are known for their large size and heavy builds, leading to poor aerodynamics. The Lordstown Endurance has a unique design that features a low front end and a slanted back, which should improve its aerodynamics and therefore its range. However, the design sacrifices the traditional look of pickup trucks and may not be appealing to consumers.
Power Consumption:
With the Lordstown Endurance being a pickup truck, it has a higher power consumption rate due to the heavy load it is intended to carry. The electric motor is also designed to provide a towing capacity of up to 7,500 pounds, which adds extra strain on the battery, reducing its range.
Testing Procedures:
Range estimates by the EPA are based on a laboratory test and do not always reflect real-world range. Several factors such as driving style, weather conditions, and payload capacity can affect the actual range of the truck. It is important to note that driving style has a significant impact on the range of any EV, and aggressive acceleration and braking can significantly reduce the range of the Lordstown Endurance.
Future Improvements:
The Lordstown Motors team is working on improving the range and performance of the Endurance. They have recently announced a partnership with Holman Enterprises, a fleet management company, to study the Endurance’s performance in real-world conditions to diagnose and improve the truck’s range. The team is also working on developing a charging network to enable long-distance travel and faster charging.
The Lordstown Endurance is a unique electric vehicle that aims to make a statement in the electric pickup truck market. Although the range of the truck is lower than expected, it is important to consider the factors that contribute to the range reduction. The Lordstown Motors team is actively addressing the issue and working on improving the truck’s range and charging infrastructure, which will undoubtedly boost the truck’s appeal. We can expect to see even better versions of the Endurance in the coming years as electric trucks become more popular and the technology advances.
