Winter Test Reveals How Electric Vehicles Fail in Extreme Cold

A recent winter test has highlighted how electric vehicles struggle in freezing temperatures. The 'El Prix 2026' event, organised by the Norwegian Automobile Association (NAF), put 24 models through extreme cold conditions. Results showed that even top-performing EVs, such as the Ford and Rivian, face significant range reductions when temperatures drop as low as -30°C.

The test exposed clear differences in how electric vehicles handle cold weather. Larger batteries allowed some models, like the Tesla Model Y, to cover longer distances overall. However, these same vehicles often lost a bigger share of their range compared to smaller-battery alternatives.

Smaller-battery models sometimes performed more consistently, with less dramatic drops in range. This suggests that a high nominal range does not always mean better real-world performance in freezing conditions.

Previous tests, such as the 2023 edition, found that some EVs—like the Tesla Model S—exceeded their official WLTP range in mild weather. Yet in extreme cold, no model matched its WLTP rating, with losses ranging from 4% to 32%. The latest findings confirm that winter remains a major hurdle for electric mobility.

Interestingly, the best long-distance performers in the cold were not always the most expensive models, like the Ford or Rivian. This challenges the assumption that higher price tags guarantee better winter reliability.

The 'El Prix 2026' results underline the ongoing challenge of cold-weather performance for electric vehicles. While larger batteries, like those in the Tesla Model Y, offer greater range in normal conditions, they do not always provide an advantage in extreme cold. Manufacturers and drivers alike must consider these factors when assessing real-world EV capabilities.