In today's world, electric cars are undoubtedly becoming more and more popular. Car buyers are increasingly shifting towards EVs thanks to high gas prices, significantly quieter operations, and low running costs. Since they don't produce exhaust emissions, they're also among the best solutions for environmental sustainability. People in cooler regions, however, might be the last to adopt due to concerns about whether electric cars are good in the winter, or whether electric cars have trouble in cold weather.

Buyers are now looking for the best electric car for winter driving. Most car aficionados and experts alike are aware that an electric car in winter loses its driving range. But not all electric cars lose range at the same rate. Despite the fact that it is well known that extreme cold hinders the EV battery range due to slowed down mechanical and chemical processes, questions arise, such as: how cold is too cold for electric cars?

Considering the verified research study carried out by Recurrent Auto, let’s explore the electric cars that lose the most range in winter.

Related: This Test Demonstrates The Huge Difference Winter Tires And All-Wheel-Drive Make In Snow

9 Tesla Model 3 – 17% Est. Range Loss

Tesla Model 3 in snow
Teslarati

Most people think of the Tesla Model 3 when asked to imagine an electric car. The four-door sedan lives up to its promise thanks to a nearly perfect balance of driving range, performance, and affordable pricing. However, even Teslas struggle in cold conditions.

With a 75 kW battery, the Model 3 Long Range loses around 17% of its driving range in freezing temperatures. Drivers do notice a lower range of 175 miles in the winter, despite having a very adaptive thermal management system. Additionally, the compact sedan restricts regenerative braking throughout the winter to safeguard the battery from deteriorating charges.

8 Hyundai Kona EV – 19% Est. Range Loss

Hyundai Kona
Hyundai 

The Hyundai Kona EV is truly the most complete subcompact electric crossover SUV. Buyers adore the car's dependability, efficiency, and competitive driving range. But, as well as a 2021 battery recall, the small family car also has trouble operating in the winter.

The five-seater compact SUV only maintains 81% of its driving range in freezing weather, dropping roughly 19%. The battery warmer also operates only when the vehicle is on. Nevertheless, with the inclusion of high-efficiency heat pump technology starting this year, the Korean SUV is likely to boost the operating range in cold conditions.

Related: What They Don’t Tell You About Driving Electric Cars In The Winter

7 ​​​​​Tesla Model S – 19% Est. Range Loss

Red Tesla Model S P85D
Tesla

Only a few cars over the past two decades have drawn as much attention and scrutiny as Tesla's Model S. It’s certainly a renowned household name. The first Model S made its debut in 2012 and had a driving range of 265 miles per charge. The range got better over time with the newer models, reaching 396 miles per charge.

The premium connectivity add-on function, fast charging, superior battery capacity, and simple maintenance make this five-door liftback a popular choice. However, under extreme frigid conditions, the Model S P100D loses about 19% of its operating range. It now comes outfitted with a heat pump, which might result in a winter range enhancement.

6 Nissan Leaf – 21% Est. Range Loss

2023 Nissan Leaf Black
Nissan

There’s no doubt that the Nissan Leaf is an ideal blend of visual appeal and affordable pricing. The Japanese compact hatchback gave many car enthusiasts and motorists their first taste of riding an EV. Sadly, it also gained a reputation for being ineffective in freezing environments thanks to its passive battery thermal management system.

Extreme cold weather reduces the Leaf’s driving range by about 21%, to only 125 miles per charge. Furthermore, the battery warmer stops working if the battery is less than 15% charged. Nissan advises against storing the lithium-ion battery below -13 F for longer than seven days.

5 Volkswagen E-Golf – 23% Est. Range Loss

Volkswagen e-Golf: Familiarity Breeds Sales
Volkswagen

The Volkswagen e-Golf is the brand's first modern battery electric vehicle. This electrified version of the famous Golf hatchback offers the same level of comfort, functionality, and durability. Despite having outstanding grip and handling in winter driving conditions, the e-Golf suffers from a low estimated EPA range of 125 miles.

Long-time Volkswagen users agree that the sporty hatchback loses a notable driving range in winter due to the combination of resistance heating and heat pump. Without a doubt, battery life suffers in extreme cold temperatures, and Recurrent Auto testing revealed that the sporty hatchback drops its range by an alarming 23%. Moreover, the battery could also freeze if the car is left at a temperature below -13 F for more than a few days.

Related: This Is Why You Shouldn't Let Your Car Idle To Heat It Up During Winter

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4 BMW i3 – 24% Est. Range Loss

BMW i3 covered in snow
BMWblog

The BMW i3 is a classic hot hatch that fulfills all the necessary criteria for buyers. In addition to its futuristic aesthetic and excellent build quality, the i3 is also very practical and fun to drive. The luxury hatchback, however, is not an ideal winter driving machine due to its rear-wheel drive and compact design.

Additionally, this German high-roof hatchback's operating range of 150 miles also trails other EV leaders of the segment like the Audi e-tron, Chevy Bolt, and Jaguar I-Pace. The battery's performance drops the range significantly by 24% as the freezing temperature rises outsides.

3 Ford Mustang Mach-E – 30% Est. Range Loss

The front of the Mach E
Ford

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is a formidable all-electric compact crossover that prioritizes comfort and performance. Introduced in 2021, the Mach-E is built on Ford's first dedicated EV platform. Since its release, there has also been a lot of debate surrounding the choice of the Mustang nameplate for both an electric and a crossover.

The electric coupe SUV, amidst having a controversial start, is a fantastic sport SUV with a stunning cabin, 305 miles of driving range, and exceptional handling. Although it hasn't been on the road for too many winters, the results of Recurrent Auto's testing revealed that the vehicle loses about 30% of its range in icy weather. This significant range reduction is mostly triggered by the elimination of the heat pump and sole reliance on resistance heating.

Related: Ford Reveals Steps To Squeeze The Most Range From Electric Vehicles In Harsh Winters

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2 Volkswagen ID.4 – 30% Est. Range Loss

Volkswagen ID.4 front quarter view
Volkswagen

The Volkswagen ID.4 is the newest member of the brand’s electric family. Developed on the new MEB platform, the compact crossover SUV is a visual feast. Available in an all-wheel drive option and with remote preconditioning, the ID.4 truly fascinates buyers. It also boasts a superb driving range of 223 miles with a standard 52 kWh battery pack and a whopping 328 miles with a mid-range 77 kWh battery pack.

Despite having been built with several technologies intended to maximize heating effectiveness while limiting the effects of cold temperatures, the vehicle experiences a severe range loss of 30%. Since the cabin heater uses resistance rather than a heat pump, it clearly consumes battery power.

1 Chevrolet Bolt – 32% Est. Range Loss

White Chevy Bolt
Chevrolet

The Chevy Bolt is a perfect electric car for buyers wanting to buy their first affordable BEV. It's an intriguing model with excellent efficiency, modern technology, and an impressive driving range. Plus, its visual styling makes it more appealing and popular.

Owners of this American hot hatch praise its range, performance, and value for the money. Yet, in a frigid environment or even in mildly cold weather, the battery's performance deteriorates drastically. It’s so sensitive to outside temperatures that in freezing conditions, the operating range falls by a remarkable 32%. Moreover, its thermal management system won't activate when the car is off, only reheating it when the vehicle is on.