Electric Cars

A Ranking of Popular Electric Models’ Winter Range Have Been Compiled

A study of Recurrent has determined the winter range of popular electric models to see which ones lose the most and least range under the influence of cold weather.

Recurrent has published the results of its own study. The aim was to determine the effect of cold weather on the range of electric vehicles. During winter 2022-2023, analysts tested 10,000 cars of 18 electric models in the USA. The average winter range was 70.3% of the normal EV driving range due to chemical and physical reactions in the battery slowing down.

In addition, energy is spent on heating the cabin, which also affects the range. To improve efficiency and reduce range loss, many modern electric cars are equipped with heat pumps to recycle excess heat the battery and motors generate. Also, EVs with battery preheating lose less than others.

The 2021-2022 Audi e-tron (the Q8 e-tron since 2023) showed the smallest drop in range at a temperature of 0°C among the tested models. Its winter range was only 16% less than usual. In particular, due to the heat pump that captures up to 3 kW of electricity by converting waste heat from the motor.

The 2019 Nissan Leaf showed a relatively small range reduction – 23%. Interestingly, among the greatly satisfied Leaf owners are Alaskians. The hatchback owes such efficiency to the battery heating.

The Tesla Model 3, Y, and X lost an average of 24% which is a comparatively good result. 4,375 Model Ys, 4,576 Model 3s, and 249 Model Xs took part in the study. The battery pre-conditioning function and a heat pump allow them to keep the range at a decent level. Tesla patented its heat pump in 2021 and has already managed to modernize it several times.

For comparison, the Ford Mustang Mach-e at 0°C loses 34% of its normal mileage, the Chevrolet Bolt — 42%, and the Volkswagen ID.4 – 46%. At lower temperatures, the results may be even worse.

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Informative

Ranking of EVs winter range

The ranking helps choose the right EV for cold climates or at least prepare potential EV owners for winter driving.

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