Tesla Model S Outperforms Rivals in Winter EV Range Tests
Electric vehicle owners face a common challenge in winter: reduced range due to cold temperatures. AutoBild's recent tests highlight this issue, with most EVs struggling in freezing conditions despite manufacturers' claims.
Winter temperatures can significantly impact EV performance. Increased heating and ventilation use, along with lower battery power storage, lead to reduced range. Dekra's tests show that at minus five degrees, battery power loss can reach up to 50 percent.
AutoBild tested several EVs, including the BMW i3, Nissan Leaf, Renault Zoe, and Mitsubishi i-MiEV. Even in ideal summer conditions, these vehicles could only manage a maximum of 200 kilometers. However, in freezing temperatures, their range plummeted to a mere 70 kilometers, far below the manufacturers' specified ranges of 100 to 200 kilometers.
The Tesla Model S, however, performed exceptionally well in these tests. Despite the reduced range in winter, it still managed 206 kilometers, significantly more than its competitors. In summer, the Model S can deliver its full rated capacity of about 92 kWh, allowing it to travel over 500 kilometers.
While all EVs face reduced range in winter, the Tesla Model S demonstrated superior performance in cold temperatures. Owners should be aware of the impact of winter conditions on their vehicle's range and plan accordingly. Manufacturers should continue to improve battery technology to mitigate these effects.
