Cold snaps are a rite of passage in Norway, and this year the Norwegian Automobile Federation (NAF) decided to put 23 electric vehicles through their paces on icy roads between –2 °C and –10 °C. The outcome? Several Chinese models outperformed the Tesla Model 3, raising fresh questions about how different brands fare when the mercury plunges.
Is the tesla model 3 feeling the chill?
In its biannual winter trial—often dubbed the El Prix test—NAF measures each car’s real-world range against its WLTP claim. The Tesla Model 3 Long Range, with its 75 kWh battery, managed just 441 km in sub-zero weather, compared to the 629 km WLTP rating—a staggering 30 percent shortfall. By contrast, the somewhat under-the-radar HiPhi Z, boasting a 120 kWh pack, covered 522 km, falling only 5.9 percent below its official figure. “The HiPhi Z outperformed many established marques,” noted a spokesperson for NAF, highlighting the unexpected strength of certain Chinese newcomers.
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I experienced a similar drop last winter on a trip to Tromsø, when my own EV’s range dashboard plummeted by almost a third on the way to a conference—proof that real conditions often diverge sharply from lab tests.
How accurate are range standards?
Most manufacturers rely on the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) established by the European Commission. While WLTP offers a more realistic benchmark than older cycles, it still overlooks critical factors like extreme cold, tyre grip or the energy cost of heating the cabin. As the European Commission itself admits, “WLTP labelling does not reflect performance in sub-zero temperatures,” meaning drivers can face a harsh surprise when winter bites.
Even Tesla’s vaunted battery efficiency can’t completely counteract the physics of frozen chemistry. The NAF data suggests that automakers must adopt temperature-adjusted ratings or risk eroding consumer trust in their claimed ranges.
How to save battery in winter?
If you’re heading out on frosty roads, here are a few energy-saving tips to help preserve your charge:
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Precondition your battery
Spend 5–10 minutes warming up the battery via your vehicle’s app or on-board controls before setting off. Consumer Reports notes this can boost cold-weather range by up to 15 percent. -
Plan your route
Choose the most direct, traffic-light-free path. Steep climbs and stop-start traffic can sap precious kilowatt-hours. -
Maintain proper tyre pressure
Underinflated tyres increase rolling resistance. Aim for the manufacturer’s recommended pressure to avoid a 5–10 percent range loss. -
Drive smoothly
Gentle acceleration, consistent speed and maximal use of regenerative braking help recapture energy during deceleration. -
Use seat heaters over cabin heat
Seat heaters require far less power than blasting the cabin heater. Bundle up in a cosy jumper instead of turning the thermostat to full blast. -
Seek shelter when parking
Whenever possible, park in a garage or under cover. Keeping the battery warm overnight prevents the worst of the cold-weather drop. -
Keep software updated
Manufacturers regularly tweak battery management algorithms. Installing the latest update can eke out a few extra kilometres.
As NAF’s latest findings underscore, winter conditions remain one of the toughest arenas for electric cars. Whether you drive a Tesla, a HiPhi Z or another brand entirely, knowing your vehicle’s cold-weather quirks—and how to mitigate them—can make all the difference on frosty Norwegian roads.
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Hi, I’m Brandon from the Decatur Metro team. I guide you through the trends and events reshaping our region.
