25 EVs Were Range-Tested In Extreme Cold. It Didn’t Go Well (2026)

In the frigid Scandinavian Peninsula, 25 electric vehicles (EVs) braved the harshest of winters in Norway's El Prix range test. The test, which simulates the real-world conditions that EVs face, revealed a stark contrast between the advertised range and the actual range in extreme cold. The results were surprising, with none of the EVs reaching their advertised range figures. The Lucid Air, which boasts an impressive 596 miles (960 kilometers) under ideal conditions, only managed to drive 323 miles (520 kilometers) in the test, highlighting the significant impact of extreme cold on EV performance. The Tesla Model Y, Mercedes-Benz CLA, and Hyundai Ioniq 9, all well-known EVs, also fell short of their advertised ranges. However, the surprises came from China, with the MG 6S and Hyundai Inster showing the lowest difference between their real-world range and WLTP estimate. Despite the disappointing results, the test provides valuable insights for potential EV owners, helping them understand the realistic range they can expect in extreme cold. The El Prix Winter Range Test is conducted every six months, and the results are a stark reminder of the challenges EVs face in extreme weather conditions. The test also highlights the need for more realistic WLTP procedures to ensure that EV owners are well-informed about their vehicle's performance in real-world conditions.

25 EVs Were Range-Tested In Extreme Cold. It Didn’t Go Well (2026)

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