The latest winter driving test results for electric vehicles in 2025 have been released, and there are some surprising performances among EV models. As with any vehicle, electric cars also experience a decrease in range during colder weather, due to factors such as engine performance and climate control. This issue is particularly significant for EVs, given their already limited range compared to traditional vehicles. Scandinavian countries conduct comprehensive winter driving tests for EVs, and the latest results from Motor and NAF have revealed some interesting findings.
Among the tested EV models, the Polestar 3 emerged as the top performer, losing only 5% of its range despite having the 6th longest WLTP-rated range. In comparison, the Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD, with the highest rated range at 702 km, lost 24% of its range during the test. This unexpected outcome led Motor to express disappointment in Tesla’s performance, considering the company’s track record in previous range tests.
While many EVs experienced a range loss of 10 to 20%, the top 5 performers were particularly noteworthy. Notably, 4 out of the top 5 EVs were Chinese-made electric vehicles, including 2 BYD models and the Polestar 3 and Lotus Emeya, both manufactured in China. This result underscores the growing competitiveness of Chinese EVs in the global market.
The underperformance of the Peugeot E-3008, which lost 31% of its range, was highlighted as particularly concerning. The test was conducted in mild winter temperatures in Norway, around 5°C (37°F), making such a significant range loss surprising.
In conclusion, the results of the 2025 winter driving test highlight the impressive performance of Chinese EVs and the unexpected outcomes for established EV manufacturers like Tesla. The industry’s response to the growing competition from Chinese automakers and the need for continued innovation in EV technology are key takeaways from these findings.
