Impact of Cold Weather on Electric Vehicle Range: A Real-World Analysis
As the cold weather sets in, electric vehicle (EV) owners often wonder how much the chilly temperatures will affect their car’s range. While many EVs boast remote cabin conditioning features for a warm welcome, the reality is that driving in cold conditions can significantly deplete battery performance. A recent comprehensive test conducted by Chinese media offers insights into how various popular EV models perform in cold weather conditions. The results highlight both the strengths and weaknesses of different vehicles, providing vital information for prospective buyers and current EV owners alike.
The testing focused on 45 well-known electric vehicles, evaluating their performance at a temperature of 8-10 °C. The assessment involved maximum energy recuperation settings, climate control adjusted to 25 °C in economy mode, the use of all-season tires, and eco-driving techniques. The vehicles were subjected to three different driving scenarios: at 30 km/h in cities, at 60 km/h, and at 100 km/h on highways. While 8°C may not be considered extreme, it is sufficient to discern the varying responses of different manufacturers to lower temperatures.
The results were revealing, with the BMW i3 eDrive 35L leading the pack by retaining 80.5% of its advertised range, allowing it to achieve an actual range of 424 km. Following closely were the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT and the Nio ET5, maintaining 79.7% and 79.0% of their ranges, respectively. Notably, most of the leading battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) retained between 70% and 80% of their specified range, whereas the Volvo XC40 and Arcfox aS HI lagged behind, showing a staggering 40% reduction in range.
| Model | kWh/100 km @ 30 km/h | kWh/100 km @ 60 km/h | kWh/100 km @ 100 km/h | Actual range | % of advertised range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW i3 eDrive 35L | 15.6 | 15.6 | 18.8 | 424 km | 80.5% |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E GT | 17.4 | 20.5 | 25.0 | 392 km | 79.7% |
| Nio ET5 100 kW | 16.8 | 16.3 | 21.0 | 561 km | 79.0% |
| BMW iX3 | 18.3 | 17.5 | 21.5 | 422 km | 78.8% |
| Audi Q4 e-tron 40 | 14.7 | 18.1 | 23.2 | 470 km | 77.7% |
| Zeekr 001 4WD YOU | 20.2 | 18.5 | 23.8 | 485 km | 74.5% |
| IM L7 | 19.2 | 19.4 | 23.6 | 452 km | 73.5% |
| Rising Auto R7 | 19.3 | 18.9 | 24.4 | 437 km | 72.1% |
| Nissan Ariya 87 kWh | 22.1 | 22.4 | 28.3 | 376 km | 70.5% |
| Polestar 2 LR FWD | 18.3 | 19.9 | 23.1 | 387 km | 68.3% |
| Maxus Mifa 9 | 23.5 | 23.0 | 30.3 | 357 km | 66.2% |
| Cadillac Lyriq RWD | 21.4 | 20.8 | 25.4 | 427 km | 65.4% |
| Volvo XC40 Recharge SR RWD | 19.0 | 19.7 | 24.7 | 331 km | 60.2% |
| Arcfox aS HI | 24.1 | 23.8 | 27.8 | 297 km | 59.3% |
The analysis found minimal differences in energy consumption between 30 and 60 km/h speeds, primarily due to the impact of heating systems counteracting increased aerodynamic drag at higher speeds. However, highway driving at 100 km/h significantly impacted the battery's efficiency, with most vehicles consuming over 20 kWh/100 km, except for the exemplary BMW i3.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) also demonstrated about 70% retention in EV mode. Results for these vehicles varied significantly, as shown in the following table:
| Model | Advertised battery range | Actual battery range | % of advertised range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geely Emgrand L Leishen Hi-P | 100 km/62 mi (NEDC) | 55 km/34 mi | 54.6% |
| Changan Deepal SL03 | 200 km/124 mi (CLTC) | 136 km/85 mi | 68.2% |
| Haval H6 | 110 km/68 mi (NEDC) | 73 km/45 mi | 66.3% |
| BYD Song Plus | 110 km/68 mi (NEDC) | 94 km/58 mi | 85.2% |
| Geely Monjaro Hi-P | 245 km/152 mi (CLTC) | 167 km/104 mi | 68.3% |
| Wey Mocha | 175 km/109 mi (CLTC) | 149 km/93 mi | 85% |
| AITO M5 | 170 km/106 mi (CLTC) | 133 km/83 mi | 78.4% |
| Lynk & Co 09 | 190 km/118 mi (CLTC) | 140 km/87 mi | 73.8% |
| AITO M7 | 200 km/124 mi (CLTC) | 125 km/78 mi | 62.3% |
| Li L8 | 210 km/130 mi (CLTC) | 152 km/94 mi | 72.2% |
| Li L9 | 215 km/134 mi (CLTC) | 153 km/95 mi | 71% |
For those seeking further information, an original video documenting the test is available, providing English subtitles for better understanding. Additionally, a tool is offered for estimating real-world EV range under various weather conditions, including extreme cold down to -30 °C, and includes more vehicles commonly found in Western markets.
