Electric Vehicles in Winter Conditions
Where would you go if you wanted to put today’s snow-ready all-electric vehicles through their paces to discover which are best for winter driving? Maybe you’d consider Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania in the heart of the Pocono mountains, or how about Rapid City, South Dakota where winter winds howl from October to March? GreenCars decided to go to not only one of the coldest places on earth, but also a country that has embraced EVs in a big way. Norway!
The good people of the Norwegian Automobile Federation (NAF) recently decided to put all-electric vehicles to the test to find out how cold temperatures affect EV range in real world conditions. They discovered that while all electric vehicles lose range in the cold, some suffer less than others. The Federation tested 20 EVs, starting off in Oslo and ending up in Hafjell, a 124-mile journey. For this evaluation, the NAF extended the route to take in 300 miles in order to give cars with greater range a fair shake.
The test route took the EVs through city and highway driving conditions as well as mountain passes. Speeds ranged from 37 mile per hour to 68 mph. The idea here was to run the EVs until the battery pack was completely discharged. They also performed a charging test to take the EV battery from 10 to 80 percent of charge. The ambitious test was conducted in 28 degrees and all cars were driving for at least two hours to make sure their batteries were warm.
Final Test Results: Range
The first thing the NAF concluded was that typical range represents around 18.5 percent less range than the automakers advertise. For instance, in real-world winter conditions, the Nissan Leaf with a 62-kWh battery will take you 184 miles. Nissan says you’ll get 226 miles. Out of the20 EVs tested, the vehicle that came closest to offering range as advertised is the Hyundai Kona. Of the declared 279 miles of range, the clever Kona was able to run for 251 miles, only 9.91 percent less than Hyundai’s official claim.
Final Test Results: Charging
The ultimate winner of NAF’s charging test went to the Audi E-Tron 55 Quattro which took only 27 minutes to go from 10 to 80 percent of charge. That could certainly be one of the reasons it is the best-selling EV in Norway. By comparison, the Nissan Leaf, which lacks a battery management system, took 75 minutes to charge up to 80 percent.
The NAF says that these tests helped them to debunk certain EV Myths such as that electric cars stop suddenly when they run out of electricity. What actually happens is that the vehicle gives signs that it will stop, such as loss of acceleration, a limit on top speed, and it will even stop heating. Nils Sødal, the senior communications advisor for NAF tells us, “A fun fact worth knowing is that, if you run completely out of power, you can still drive a few more miles. Just shut the car down and leave it for a short while, maybe half an hour to an hour, and you’ll have enough power to drive a few more miles. This is extremely practical if you happen to stop short of a charging station or your home.”
Top-Rated EV Winter Warriors
For GreenCars' list of the best EVs for winter driving, we have chosen all-electric crossover vehicles that can take on serious winter road conditions. All of them offer all-wheel drive for better traction in the white stuff, just keep in mind that a set of winter tires are essential to get better grip.
These are crossover SUVs with plenty to offer. Please note that the prices listed do not include any rebates such as the federal tax credit for EVs or any state or local incentives.
Audi Q6 e-tron Quattro SUV
The Audi Q6 e-tron is one of the most-anticipated new luxury electric SUVs. Built on a shared architecture with the all-new Porsche Macan electric and with a starting MSRP in the mid-sixties, it has impressive tech, good range, rapid charging, and the reassurance of a familiar luxury badge and dealer network. The base model has 322 hp, but it's rear-wheel drive only; the all-wheel drive Quattro model has two motors, 456 hp, and 0-60 in less than 5 seconds. There's also a high-end SQ6 model with 509 hp and a 0-60 mph time of about 4 seconds. All models have a gorgeous, spacious interior, very rapid charging speeds, and all the latest tech.
MSRP starts at $63,800
Chevrolet Equinox EV
Hot on the heels of the award-winning Blazer EV, Chevrolet is extending its all-electric SUV lineup with the new 2024 Equinox EV. Like the Blazer, it is a mainstream, high-volume model that’s designed to make it easier for families to make the switch to electric. The Equinox EV is the most affordable electric SUV in its class, but you don't sacrifice range, charging performance, or versatility. Indeed, the entry-level Equinox, dubbed 1LT, comes with front-wheel drive, and a 210-hp electric motor that produces 242 lb-ft of torque. EPA estimated range is a strong 319 miles.
MSRP starts at $34,995
Ford Mustang Mach-E
The Mach-E is the first Ford to wear the Mustang badge that can hold its own in winter weather, even while shod in its all-season Michelin tires. Traction on the white stuff is very good with no wheel spin whatsoever thanks to its dual motor traction control. Just don’t try racing around in snow while engaged in “Unbridled” mode. However, even in the car’s sportiest setting, you’ll find rear end slides quick to control. The Mustang’s regenerative braking helps to dig in when decelerating down a snowy hill.
MSRP starts at $45,995
Jaguar I-Pace
Now in its final year of production, Jaguar’s excellent I-Pace SUV still impresses with its innovative deign, impressive efficiency, and gorgeous styling. It has a dual-motor, all-wheel drive system. The adjustable suspension can give you 7.8-inches of clearance for winter driving. The dual motors make 394-horsepower and 512 pound-feet of torque for zero to a brisk 60 mph time of just 4.5 seconds. Its 90-kWh battery pack will take you 234 miles and charging is quick thanks to a new 11-kW onboard charger. Jaguar’s Pivi Pro infotainment system includes over-the-air updates and new driver assist tech includes a 3D surround camera system.
MSRP starts at $72,500
Subaru Solterra
Introduced in 2023, the Solterra is Subaru’s first all-electric vehicle, and like all Subaru vehicles, it is primed to be an excellent adventure wagon in all sorts of weather conditions, including snow. It is the most technologically advanced Subaru yet, built on the same platform as the new Toyota bZ4X with 8.3-inches of ground clearance. It offers Subaru’s legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and X Mode to plow through nasty blizzards with the greatest of ease.
MSRP starts at $44,995
Want to see more EV options? Visit our Buyer's Guide to explore additional makes and models.
