After receiving energy-consumption records for two electric vehicles, a buyer in Chile should first ask where the energy figure was read and which period of use it covers. If an in-vehicle screenshot and a charging bill have different boundaries, simply subtracting one from the other may not reveal a difference between the vehicles. A procurement comparison needs an explainable basis before discussing results.
The US EPA explanation of fuel economy and EV range testing states that its relevant EV efficiency calculations include losses from a specified charging stage, extending the measurement boundary to the power source. This example illustrates why the measurement point matters. It does not treat US figures as certification applicable in Chile or estimate a loss percentage for either candidate vehicle.
Define the Decision This Comparison Must Support
If procurement is concerned with energy used while driving, determine whether the records cover the same journey and associated energy use. If the concern is the actual cost of charging, inspect the billed items as well. Charges other than electricity should be listed separately rather than treated as energy consumed by the vehicle.
Certification data can help explain performance under prescribed conditions, but figures from different test systems must retain their respective names and applicable conditions. Do not remove those conditions and place only the smaller number in a recommendation column.
Writing down the question first also helps determine which material need not be requested. Driver names, home addresses and complete trip histories unrelated to the comparison should not be collected by default.
Record the Origin of Every Screenshot
Ask the provider to identify the vehicle version, data source, trip start and end, whether the display was reset, and the main functions used at the time. An incomplete screenshot may still offer a lead, but it should not support a vehicle ranking.
| Material Available | Boundary to Confirm First | When to Defer Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| In-vehicle trip page | Start and end range and meaning of displayed items | One vehicle shows this trip and the other a cumulative record |
| Charging-station record | Corresponding vehicle, session and metering explanation | It cannot be linked to actual use and charging |
| Home electricity record | Whether vehicle-related use was measured separately | Other household loads are included and not separated |
| Certification data | Test cycle, version and full metric name | Different bases are used without explanation |
| Usage-cost summary | Contents of electricity and additional charges | Parking or service charges are counted as energy use |
Retain the original material and its explanation, and cite only traceable items in the calculation sheet. Leave a gap where information is missing instead of filling it with experience from another model.
Keep Tasks Comparable During On-Site Observation
If an observation with demonstration vehicles is needed, suitably qualified personnel can design a safe and lawful task and record route type, load, weather and air-conditioning use. If the two vehicles perform substantially different tasks, explain those differences before recommending one as more energy efficient.
Record the starting and ending state of charge, charging process and use while parked. Do not delete unfavorable segments to obtain a better-looking result or ask drivers to switch off functions needed for safety and normal comfort.
State the comparison limits for conditions that cannot be synchronized. More complete records make the remaining questions easier to identify; they do not make a single observation representative of every season and driver.
Keep the Conclusion Within a Reviewable Scope
A procurement table can separately present the observation result, differences in conditions and unanswered questions. Explain energy use, cost and suitability for the business task separately, without turning one result into a guarantee of annual cost.
When requesting demonstration-vehicle material from a supplier, use the Starvia specific-vehicle photo and video inquiry page to identify the data screens and surrounding context needed. Whether the supplier can provide complete records must be confirmed through the actual inquiry.
If the information cannot support a ranking, arrange further recording or retain multiple candidates. Deferring a ranking is a valid procurement judgment and provides a better basis for later negotiation and acceptance than manufacturing a definite conclusion from missing data.
FAQ
Can the energy shown on a charging bill be compared directly with in-vehicle consumption?
First check the measurement point, corresponding use and display basis. Records with different boundaries cannot directly establish the difference between vehicles.
Can two certification figures be ranked if their units are the same?
You must also check the test system, vehicle version and conditions. A common unit does not eliminate differences in basis.
What if there is no record of energy used while parked?
Identify the gap and limit the conclusion. Arrange new records if needed rather than estimating the missing energy from experience.
Can a lower result in this observation support a promise of lower annual costs?
It cannot establish an annual result directly. Usage arrangements, cost conditions and the scope of observation should be explained separately.
When submitting candidate vehicles through the Starvia contact page or WhatsApp, attach the business task to be compared and ask which vehicle records can be supplied with their conditions.
References: US EPA testing explanation; Starvia specific-vehicle information FAQ. This comparison method is guidance for procurement records and provides no candidate-vehicle test data, loss estimate or cost guarantee. Information checked on: 2026-09-04.