Winter Performance of Electric Vehicles: A Comprehensive Analysis

Thu 30th Jan, 2025

The winter performance of electric vehicles (EVs) has been a topic of interest, especially with the unique challenges posed by colder temperatures. A recent evaluation by a prominent automotive club tested a variety of electric models under winter conditions to determine how closely their real-world performance aligns with manufacturer specifications.

To simulate realistic conditions, the club conducted tests on a route from Munich to Berlin at near-freezing temperatures. This scenario, while not typical for everyday driving, is indicative of potential winter challenges faced by EV users. The tests aimed to reveal how these vehicles perform outside of ideal conditions, as specified in the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP), which measures consumption at a comfortable 23 degrees Celsius.

For the evaluation, the testing body selected the top-performing EV models with the longest ranges from 25 manufacturers. The models chosen included:

  • Tesla Model 3 LR RWD
  • Hyundai Ioniq 6
  • VW ID.7 Pro
  • Nissan Ariya 87 FWD
  • Kia EV6
  • GWM Ora 07 AWD
  • Peng G6 LR
  • Skoda Enyaq Coupé 85
  • Polestar 2 LR
  • Ford Capri ER RWD
  • Renault Scenic E-Tech 220
  • BYD Seal RWD
  • Peugeot e-3008
  • Volvo EC40
  • MG4 ER
  • Toyota bZ4x
  • Nio ET5
  • Porsche Taycan
  • Mercedes EQS 450+
  • Audi S e-tron GT
  • BMW iX xDrive50
  • Lorus Emeya
  • Lucid Air Grand Touring

The results of the tests revealed significant variances in performance across different models when subjected to cold weather. The analysis showed that the actual range of several vehicles decreased markedly compared to their WLTP figures. For instance, the Nio model, which normally boasts a range of 531 km, managed only 421 km in the test, reflecting a 21% decrease. Similarly, the Porsche Taycan's range dropped from 667 km to 504 km, and the Mercedes EQS, which is rated for 817 km, only reached 600 km.

In contrast, some vehicles performed considerably worse than their advertised ranges. The Volvo model, for example, showed a range of only 285 km compared to its WLTP rating of 569 km, while the MG and Toyota vehicles fared poorly as well, achieving just 254 km and 233 km, respectively, versus their projected ranges.

One noteworthy finding from the tests was that the Mercedes EQS was the only vehicle that successfully completed the journey without needing to recharge, finishing with an impressive remaining range of 18 km. This achievement can be attributed to its high-capacity battery and efficient energy consumption, which was recorded at a mere 20.8 kWh per 100 km. In stark contrast, the last five performers in the test struggled to reach half of that efficiency.

Another crucial aspect evaluated was the time it takes to recharge these vehicles. The testing body measured how much range could be added after a 20-minute charging session, starting from a 10% battery level. The Porsche Taycan excelled in this area, gaining an additional range of 370 km in just 20 minutes. Mercedes followed with 304 km, while other models generally added less than 300 km during the same duration. The lower-performing vehicles, which included models from Toyota, Peugeot, Renault, and GWM, added the least range, falling far behind the leaders.

Overall, while this evaluation provides only a snapshot of how various electric vehicles perform in winter conditions, it underscores the importance of considering individual driving patterns. Users who primarily engage in short commutes may find that winter performance is less of a concern, whereas those undertaking long-distance travel in colder months may need to weigh these findings more heavily in their vehicle selection.


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