Contrary to the notion that electric vehicles underperform in cold weather, a test by Finnish newspaper Tekniikan Maailma has showcased Tesla‘s resilience. The evaluation was designed to measure how electric vehicles fare in extremely low temperatures, and Tesla’s models displayed impressive endurance in the cold.
Setting the Stage for the Cold Weather Test
Typically, electric vehicles are assessed under the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) at a comfortable +23°C, which does not account for the potential loss of range in colder climates. The Finnish publication’s test aimed to fill this gap by investigating the real-world performance of electric vehicles in the biting cold.
Comprehensive Winter Range Analysis
Ten electric vehicles, including the Tesla Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor and others like the Volkswagen ID.7 Pro Elegance and Hyundai Kona Electric, faced the challenge of subzero temperatures, around -20°C, during the experiment.
The methodology was straightforward: drive each car until it could go no further. Surprisingly, the Hyundai Kona Electric ceased operation with 7% battery life remaining. Other models, like the MG4 and Volkswagen ID.7, entered energy conservation modes, disabling features like interior heating to preserve battery life.
Despite the Tesla Model 3’s battery indicator hitting 0%, the car continued to operate and surpassed 300 km of driving, outperforming other vehicles in the test. Although its range was reduced from the estimated WLTP figure, the Tesla Model 3’s capability in such cold conditions was still remarkable.
Lauri Ahtiainen of Tekniikan Maailma commented on the findings, noting that while cold temperatures impact performance, some vehicles managed their battery life exceptionally well, while others ceased running unexpectedly.
