The how EVs typically perform in wintery conditions reveals that most models are prone to range loss. And while some cars perform better than others, it does make people living in colder regions skeptical about going all-electric.
In the Norwegian Automobile Federation's (NAF) annual EV range test, 29 EVs were driven to see how they performed in winter conditions. Conducted with Norwegian publication The Tesla Model S traveled for 530 kilometers (329 miles) before stopping, and interestingly, it was the only EV to make it past 450 km (279 miles) and 500 km (310 miles) respectively.
How Other EVs Fared In Norway's Range Test
Apart from the winter test, the NAF also conducts a summer test. The routes (Oslo, Gjøvik, Hjerkinn, Rondane, Venabygdsfjellet, and Ringebu) are unchanged during each trial. While the EVs can't exceed the speed limit, they can drive at the maximum speed allowed until the models exhaust their battery. The drivers are encouraged to leverage regenerative braking to get a few miles. They're mandated to solely use the Eco Mode and avoid activating the EVs’ active driving assistance systems.
As mentioned, the Model S achieved 329 miles, 67 miles short of the 396 miles Tesla s. The Mercedes-Benz EQE claimed second place with a range of 254 miles. BMW's i7 (263 miles) and i4 (270 miles) occupy third and fifth positions, respectively. The Model X claimed sixth position after achieving a range of 276 miles. Further down the line are the Kia Niro EV (15th place/213 miles), Model Y (16th place/209 miles), Hyundai Ioniq 5 (17th place/214 miles), and Kia EV6GT (24th place/217 miles). Tesla equips its models with an innovative heat pump which it claims enables the EVs to not only maintain range efficiency in cold weather, but optimize Supercharging speeds too.
Norway is one of the few countries with a massive EV adoption rate. That achievement is attributed to federally sponsored incentives and the availability of charging infrastructure. Despite the influx of electric models, the Scandinavian nation is known for extreme weather conditions. Fortunately, this makes it a great place to subject EVs to the ultimate range test. The success of the Tesla Model S could attract potential buyers living in places with cold winters.
Source: Motor