Winter EV Performance Study Reveals Cold Weather Reduces EV Range By Up To 39%

The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) has released the results of a comprehensive winter performance study that sheds new light on how extreme cold affects electric vehicles (EVs), providing crucial information for both current EV owners and potential buyers navigating the transition to electric mobility in cold climates.

CAA’s extensive real-world test, conducted on the route between Ottawa and Mont Tremblant in temperatures ranging from -7 to -15 degrees Celsius (19.4 to 6.8 degrees Fahrenheit), evaluated 14 different EVs, including seven of Canada’s top-selling EV models. The study addressed one of the most significant concerns among potential EV adopters, as more than two-thirds of Canadians cite winter range loss as a major barrier to EV adoption.

The results revealed that cold weather strongly impacts the EV range, with vehicles experiencing reductions between 14% and 39% compared to their official Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) estimates. Two vehicles emerged as particularly resilient to cold weather conditions: the Chevrolet Silverado EV and the Polestar 2, both experiencing only a 14% reduction in range. The Polestar 2, with an official NRCan range of 384 km (around 238 miles), achieved nearly 255 km (158 miles) in winter conditions, while the Silverado EV, starting at 74% charge, demonstrated proportionally strong performance.

The study also examined charging performance, a critical consideration for long-distance winter travel. The Tesla Model 3 demonstrated superior charging capabilities despite using a lower-powered 150kW charger, gaining 205 km (127 miles) of range in just 15 minutes. The Chevrolet Silverado EV followed closely, adding 199 km (123 miles) in the same timeframe while maintaining an average charging speed of 233kW.

Ian Jack, vice-president of public affairs at CAA National, emphasized the importance of these findings for consumer decision-making: stating,”The vast difference in results highlight the importance of truth in advertising when it comes to EV range, and of comparing numbers if winter performance matters to you.”

The study’s implications extend beyond range concerns, as current EV owners report significant challenges with winter operations. According to CAA’s recent survey of over 16,000 EV drivers, 65% have experienced reduced range in extreme cold, and 53% still prefer conventional gas vehicles for long winter trips. Additionally, 40% of EV owners report significantly slower charging speeds during cold weather as a persistent issue.

To help drivers maximize their EV’s winter performance, CAA provided several practical recommendations. These include preconditioning the vehicle while plugged in, removing snow and ice to improve aerodynamics, utilizing heated seats instead of cabin heaters to conserve energy, and parking indoors when possible to maintain optimal battery temperature.

The research underscores the need for more comprehensive consumer information about EV winter performance. While the technology continues to advance, understanding these limitations and implementing proper management strategies remains crucial for successful EV adoption in cold climates. CAA’s findings contribute valuable real-world data to help consumers make informed decisions about EV purchases and operations in winter conditions.

Read More: Study Finds EVs Retain 80% Of Range In Freezing Conditions: A Winter Performance Breakdown

As a result, the study represents part of CAA’s broader initiative to provide unbiased information about EVs through their EV Buyer’s Guide, helping to bridge the knowledge gap between manufacturer claims and real-world performance in challenging Canadian winter conditions.

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