A recent winter range test in Norway revealed the resilience of some electric cars under extreme cold conditions, although many experienced significant drops in expected range.
In a winter range test in Norway, electric vehicles were subjected to harsh conditions with temperatures dropping as low as -31 degrees Celsius. Despite the severe cold, the electric cars did not suffer any operational failures, but their ranges notably decreased from their official WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure) figures, which are based on a more temperate climate of 23 degrees Celsius. This comparison highlights the challenges faced by electric vehicles in extreme weather, which could have implications for consumers in colder climates.
The test results indicated that some Asian manufacturers excelled in this challenging environment, with seven out of the eight electric vehicles that retained the most range coming from companies in Eastern countries. Notably, the list included two vehicles from Kia, another from Hyundai, and others from Chinese brands like MG and Xpeng, revealing a competitive edge in performance for these models amid frigid temperatures. The presence of Japanese and German-Chinese manufacturer Smart on the list further underlines the strength of Asian engineering in the electric vehicle sector.
The detailed test results are available in a table at the end of the article, designed to clearly illustrate which vehicles performed best relative to their official WLTP range figures. This underscores an important consideration for potential buyers, as electric vehicle performance can vary greatly depending on environmental conditions, and consumers may need to adjust their expectations, especially in regions with harsh winters.
