Which EVs Handle Extreme Cold Weather the Best?

In Folldal, Norway, 24 EVs were subjected to extreme conditions with temperatures plunging as low as -32 C to see which models were impacted least.

The Norges Automobil-Forbund (NAF) Winter El Prix 2026, held in collaboration with Motor, found that most vehicles came close to their stated charge times even in the severe cold. 

Willem Groenewald, FIA Secretary General for Automobile Mobility and Sustainability, says: "The future of mobility is constantly changing. Providing consumers with essential data on new  technologies, such as improved performance of EVs is key for shaping selection and choice for  road users. 

“It is also testament to the adaptability of manufacturers to drive innovation forward to the  ultimate benefit of consumers, not only in battery improvements but also in terms of safety  standards." 

EVs in the cold

Cold weather can have a lot of impact on EVs as battery chemicals become thicker and heating systems are put to the test. 

The liquid electrolyte in batteries becomes more viscous in the cold, making it harder for ions to move and increasing internal resistance. 

When batteries are cold, they don’t accept charge as quickly to protect from damage. 

Preconditioning, built into many modern EVs, warms the battery before charging so it can take power at higher speed.

Unlike ICE cars that use waste heat from the engine to warm the cabin, EVs pull energy directly from the battery to run the heater. 

This can account for up to two thirds of the extra energy used in winter. 

Range reductions

Every vehicle tested recorded a measurable drop in range compared to its Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) benchmark. 

The average reduction across the fleet was 38%, a figure that reflects the severity of conditions rather than any fundamental failure of the technology.

Before charging assessments, vehicles were left outside overnight in temperatures of -25 C. 

This element of the methodology was designed to replicate the real-world scenario faced by drivers who park outdoors during a Nordic winter.

Despite the range losses, no significant technical failures were reported. 

Drivers remained warm and comfortable throughout, and cabin heating systems performed reliably across the test fleet.

Tor Arne Litlere, NAF President, says: “El Prix provides motorists with invaluable data and  insight into how EVs truly perform when tested to their limit in the harshest Nordic conditions. 

“Situation based knowledge about the deviations from WLTP range is a true value for members and road users from these tests.” 

Charging performance

One of the most encouraging findings from the 2026 El Prix concerns DC fast charging. 

When drivers used battery preconditioning before arriving at a charger, most vehicles came close to their stated charge times from 10% to 80% capacity.

Several test vehicles demonstrated strong peak charging rates, with some units capable of drawing 350 kW and 400 kW under optimised conditions. 

The results carry practical significance for fleet operators and charging infrastructure providers. 

Reliable charging speeds, even in extreme cold, suggest that the operational case for EVs in northern climates is strengthening.

The top performers 

For pure distance on a single charge in freezing conditions, the Lucid Air Grand Touring outperformed its nearest competitor by nearly 100 kilometres.

While the Lucid drove the furthest, it also suffered one of the largest percentage drops from its laboratory rating.

Smaller, more affordable EVs actually beat the cold more effectively in terms of consistency.

The Kia EV2 prototype achieved 310 kilometres, a deviation of just 24.8% from its target WLTP. 

The MG 6S EV and Hyundai Inster tied for best official performance, losing just 29% of their claimed range. 

The Changan DEEPAL S05 hit its official time from 10 to 80% exactly at 23 minutes.

Kia’s EV4 and EV2 were both within a few minutes of their factory charging specs despite the sub-zero environment. 

EVs in cold countries

The 2026 edition introduced the El Prix Co-Driver Programme, expanding participation beyond Norway for the first time. 

FIA Member Clubs from Canada, Denmark, Iceland, Belgium and Austria each contributed to the testing process, bringing a broader geographic perspective to the results.

Cold-climate performance data gathered in Norway holds direct relevance for fleet planners and policymakers in Canada and central Europe alike.

This test is conducted twice each year, covering both winter and summer conditions.