Norwegian automotive publication Motor.no recently conducted its annual winter tests to evaluate electric vehicle performance in harsh winter conditions. Surprisingly, this year, the HiPhi Z claimed the top spot by covering 522 km on a single charge, surpassing even Tesla models that have historically dominated the rankings.
The test involved 23 electric vehicles driven under consistent conditions in the Dovrefjell region, navigating steep mountainous terrain with ambient temperatures ranging from -1 to -5 °C. While direct year-over-year comparisons may not be exact due to varying conditions, all vehicles were tested until fully depleted.
See also: Norway Conducts Largest Winter Test for Electric Cars, Reveals Range Challenges in Cold Weather
The HiPhi Z exhibited an impressive result, closely aligning with its WLTP range and losing only 5.9%. In contrast, some vehicles experienced significant deviations from their advertised ranges, with the facelifted Tesla Model 3 Long Range being notably affected. The 2022 Model 3 achieved 441 km, reflecting a 30% decrease from its WLTP figure and a substantial decline from the 2021 model’s 521 km result.
Securing a ninth position, the Model 3 was overshadowed by the HiPhi Z, which claimed the top spot with its 522 km range. Joining it on the podium were the Nio ET5 Touring (481 km) and Hyundai Ioniq 6 (RWD) (468 km). The Lotus Eletre S (465 km) and Nio EL6 (456 km) rounded out the top 5.
See also: How winter and cold weather affect electric vehicles driving range
Notably, several models, including the Lotus Eletre, BMW i5, Kia EV9, Xpeng G9, Nio EL6, Mercedes EQE SUV, and Nio ET5 Touring, lost less than 20% of their WLTP ratings in freezing temperatures, showcasing impressive winter performance.
Conversely, at the lower end of the spectrum, the Toyota bZ4X, Polestar 2, Volvo C40, and VW ID.7 Pro experienced significant decreases, emphasizing the varied impact of winter conditions on electric vehicle ranges.
| Model | WLTP range in km (miles) | Range in the El Prix test in km (miles) | Difference between WLTP and El Prix figures |
| Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback | 515 km (320 mi) | 411.4 km (255.6 mi) | -20.1% |
| BMW i5 | 505 km (313.7 mi) | 443.6 km (277.3 mi) | -12.2% |
| BYD Dolphin | 427 km (265.3 mi) | 339.2 km (210.7 mi) | -20.6% |
| Ford F-150 Lightning | 429 km (266.5 mi) | 337.5 km (209.7 mi) | -21.3% |
| HiPhi Z | 555 km (344.8 mi) | 522 km (324.3 mi) | -5.9% |
| Hyundai Ioniq 6 | 614 km (381.5 mi) | 467,8 km (290.6 mi) | -23.8% |
| Hyundai Kona electric | 454 km (282.1 mi) | 341.3 km (212 mi) | -24.8% |
| Jeep Avenger | 395 km (245.4 mi) | 286 km (177.7 mi) | -27.6% |
| Kia EV9 | 505 km (313.7 mi) | 441.9 km (274.5 mi) | -12.5% |
| Lotus Eletre | 530 km (329.3 mi) | 464.6 km (288.6 mi) | -12.3% |
| MG4 Trophy Extended Range | 520 km (323.1 mi) | 399.6 km (248.3 mi) | -23.2% |
| Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV | 491 km (305 mi) | 399 km (247.9 mi) | -18.7% |
| NIO EL6 (ES6) | 529 km (328.7 mi) | 456 km (283.3) | -13.8% |
| NIO ET5 | 560 km (347.9 mi) | 481.4 km (299.1 mi) | -14% |
| Nissan Ariya | 498 km (309.4 mi) | 369.4 km (229.5 mi) | -25.8% |
| Opel Astra | 413 km (256.6 mi) | 296 km (183.9 mi) | -28.3% |
| Peugeot e-308 | 409 km (254.1 mi) | 297 km (184.5 mi) | -27.4% |
| Polestar 2 Long Range | 614 km (381.5 mi) | 430 km (267.1 mi) | -30% |
| Tesla Model 3 | 629 km (390 mi) | 441 km (274 mi) | -29.9% |
| Toyota bZ4X | 460 km (285.8 mi) | 313.5 km (194.7 mi) | -31.8% |
| Volkswagen ID.7 | 608 km (377.7 mi) | 414 km (257.2 mi) | -31.9% |
| Volvo C40 Recharge | 572 km (355 mi) | 395 km (245.4 mi) | -30.9% |
| XPeng G9 | 520 km (323.1 mi) | 451.8 km (280.7 mi) | -13.1% |
