The paper presents a theoretical analysis of the effect of electric car performance characteristics on vehicle energy consumption and driving range. The test object was a Nissan Leaf electric vehicle. The characteristic curves of basic and additional resistance to motion (sum of rolling resistance and air resistance and inertia resistance or grade resistance, respectively) were applied to the model characteristic curve of electric motor torque of the tested vehicle. Based on that, the graphs describing the relationships between vehicle energy consumption and vehicle speed were made (for specific values of car acceleration / acclivity grade) as well as the relations between vehicle driving range and its traction properties. It was concluded that the use of performance characteristics significantly increased the vehicle’s energy consumption and decreased the available vehicle’s driving range.

The paper presents the simulation analysis determining the effect of tyre energy efficiency class on fuel consumption of a passenger car. Calculations were made assuming the wheel movement on a dry and smooth asphalt road surface. The tests based on a simulation model were performed on 61 types of tyres, being characterised by different sizes and energy efficiency classes. Different values of rolling resistance coefficient were adopted (in accordance with energy efficiency classes), also, the values of basic and additional resistance to motion were determined. Based on them, engine speeds and load torque corresponding to respective specific fuel consumption were estimated. This parameter allowed the relationship between average mileage fuel consumption and tyre energy efficiency class to be determined on the basis of the NEDC test.