These EVs froze out in real cold weather testing

EVs vs. the Cold

Electric cars are great, until winter shows up. When it’s freezing, even the best EVs lose miles faster than you’d expect. The Canadian Automobile Association tested 14 EVs in sub-zero temperatures to see how they really perform.

Instead of going by what the sticker says, they drove each EV until it ran out of power. From there, they measured just how far each one could go and how long they took to recharge. The results might surprise you, especially if you thought range estimates were reliable in all conditions.

A Few EVs Stayed Strong

Some EVs were surprisingly tough in the cold. The Polestar 2 and Chevrolet Silverado EV only lost 14% of their range, the best performance in the entire group.

That’s a solid result considering temperatures ranged from 19 to 6 degrees Fahrenheit. These two models went farther than many others, proving that smart design and better thermal management can make a real difference.

Tesla Took a Bigger Hit Than Expected

Tesla’s Model 3 is a top seller, but it took a 30% range drop in the test. That’s a pretty big hit, even for one of the most advanced EVs on the market.

Still, it managed to travel about 255 miles before dying, which is better than most of the others. If you’re a Tesla driver, you’ll want to be aware of this difference before setting out on a long winter trip.

Silverado EV Showed Serious Muscle

The Chevrolet Silverado EV didn’t start the test fully charged, just 74%. But even with that handicap, it traveled an impressive 283 miles.

After adjusting for the partial charge, its performance showed only a 14% range loss, the same as the Polestar 2. That’s outstanding for a full-size pickup, especially one with a massive battery. It proves that a well-built truck can go the distance, even in harsh conditions.

Mid-Pack EVs Had Mixed Results

Kia’s EV9 and Volkswagen’s ID.4 weren’t the best, but they didn’t completely bomb either. They lost 20% and 28% of their range, respectively.

The EV9 still went about 217 miles, which is respectable. The ID.4 fell a bit shorter, reaching around 210 miles before running out. These numbers show that while these EVs are functional in cold weather, they don’t match their warm-weather potential.

Ford and Honda Struggled for Miles

Ford’s Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning didn’t shine in this cold-weather showdown. The Lightning lost about 35% of its expected range.

It managed only 184 miles before stopping, which is tough for anyone needing to tow or haul. The Mustang Mach-E dropped around 31% and made it 207 miles. Honda’s Prologue reached a similar distance but also fell short of its promise.

Smaller EVs Lost Steam Fast

Compact EVs like the Kia Niro EV and Hyundai Ioniq 5 didn’t fare well in the cold. Each saw big drops in range, 30% and 36% respectively.

The Niro stopped after just 177 miles. The Ioniq 5 didn’t even reach that, ending at about 163 miles. That’s a tough break for city-friendly cars that are often used for daily commutes. Cold weather reduced their usefulness, especially for drivers who can’t charge at home.

Two EVs Had the Worst Losses

Volvo’s XC40 Recharge and Toyota’s BZ4X had the biggest losses in the group. Both dropped close to 40% of their advertised range.

That left them with less than 160 miles of usable driving distance, hardly enough for longer winter trips. These steep losses are a red flag for buyers in colder states. While both vehicles offer great features, their winter performance might make daily use frustrating.

Charging Isn’t Always Fast in the Cold

You’d think a 350 kW charger would juice up any car in minutes. But cold batteries don’t work that way; they charge more slowly when they’re frozen.

Several EVs in the test failed to take full advantage of fast-charging stations. That’s because batteries need to be at the right temperature to accept high power. Without pre-warming, they resist charging, which slows everything down. Even the best chargers can’t overcome basic battery physics.

Tesla Still Led in Charging Speed

Despite using a slower 150 kW charger, the Tesla Model 3 charged fast. It gained 127 miles in just 15 minutes, more than any other vehicle tested.

Tesla’s battery software seems to manage cold better than most. It hit 80% in just 37 minutes, even though it wasn’t using the highest-wattage charger. That’s impressive in frigid weather. Tesla drivers clearly benefit from the brand’s experience in battery tech and software integration.

Silverado EV Charged Like a Beast

The Silverado EV didn’t just impress with range; it charged fast, too. In just 15 minutes, it added over 123 miles to its battery.

That’s even more impressive when you realize its average charging rate was 233 kW, the fastest in the entire group. Going from 10% to 80% took just 32 minutes. For a massive pickup, that’s excellent. Chevy invested in making this truck ready for long-haul use, even in freezing conditions.

Equinox and Polestar Held Their Own

The Chevrolet Equinox EV and Polestar 2 didn’t top the chart, but they weren’t far behind. Each added around 75 to 80 miles in just 15 minutes.

Charging from 10% to 80% took about 40 to 42 minutes. These times are very usable for drivers on the go. You won’t be waiting forever, and you’ll get enough charge to keep moving. That makes both cars a solid choice for people dealing with winter conditions regularly.

Some Models Charged at a Crawl

Not all EVs were quick to recover. The Kia Niro EV and Toyota BZ4X were the slowest charging models tested. They struggled badly in the cold.

The BZ4X added just 12 miles in 15 minutes and took 92 minutes to reach 80% battery. The Niro wasn’t much better, taking 77 minutes to get there. That kind of wait can feel endless, especially when temperatures are below freezing.

Warm Batteries Charge Way Faster

Preconditioning a battery, warming it up before charging, makes a big difference. Without it, cold batteries charge slowly, no matter how powerful the station is.

Some EVs do this automatically during navigation. Others require manual setup. In this test, it wasn’t clear if all vehicles were warmed up before charging began. That might explain the huge variation in results.

Range Drops Are All Over the Map

The 14 tested EVs didn’t lose the same amount of range; losses ranged from 14% to 39%. That’s a wide gap, showing not all EVs are equal.

Some lost just a bit, while others lost more than a third of their range. Design, battery size, and software all play a role. This means buyers need to research carefully before choosing an EV for cold climates. A strong summer performer isn’t always winter-ready.

Curious how to deal with limited range in colder months? Check out these smart tips to beat EV range anxiety.

Big Chargers Don’t Guarantee Speed

Just because you plug into a 350 kW charger doesn’t mean you’ll get 350 kW of power. Battery temperature and tech matter just as much.

Some EVs peaked below 100 kW even when the charger was capable of more. That’s why charging time isn’t just about the station. It depends on how the vehicle handles power and heat. A smart charging system and good thermal controls make a huge difference.

Want to know how to speed things up? Here’s how to charge your EV faster than a coffee break.

Ever driven your EV in freezing weather? Share your experience below.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.