The Icy Truth: EV Range and Cold Weather
Germany’s ADAC motoring club recently put electric vehicles (EVs) to the test, and the results are chilling – especially for EV owners in cold climates.
The ADAC’s simulation of a motorway journey from Munich to Berlin at 0 degrees Celsius showed a significant drop in range for most EVs tested. Only one vehicle, out of the 25 tested, completed the trip without needing a recharge.
For 18 of the tested EVs, the energy consumption was 50% higher than the manufacturer’s claims. The Volvo EC40, MG4, and Ford Capri saw deviations of 80% or more. The Nio ET5 had the smallest deviation, at 10%, followed by the Porsche Taycan (23%) and Mercedes EQS (25%).
The Mercedes EQS stands out as the only model that completed the test drive without a charging stop.
Despite covering the entire distance (582 kilometers) with a claimed range of 600 kilometers, the EQS had a mere 18 kilometers of range left upon arrival. ADAC noted that most drivers would have recharged during the trip to avoid running out of power.
EV brochures often boast ranges between 500 and 700 kilometers, but these figures are based on the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) cycle, which is conducted under ideal temperature conditions. This test reflects mixed driving conditions, including city traffic.
However, consumption and range can change dramatically depending on road conditions. EVs consume more energy and have reduced range when driving at motorway speeds in icy temperatures.
To ensure objective results, the test used a recorded route between Munich and Berlin on the A9 motorway, which was then imported into a test bench that replicated inclines, declines, and realistic traffic conditions.
All vehicles maintained the exact same speeds, without outside variables such as changing traffic density, wind, weather, or traffic jams.
The test used a maximum speed of 130 kilometers per hour, adhering to the speed limits; the average speed was 111 km/h, with the pure journey time being five hours and 15 minutes.
The Lucid Air, Porsche Taycan, and five additional EVs could have made the trip with a single charging stop. Another nine vehicles would have required two stops, while eight needed three stops to complete the journey.
