Automotive publications tested a dozen electric vehicles (EVs) and revealed that their range could shrink by up to a third compared to official numbers published by EV manufacturers. What does that mean for consumers who live in regions that experience colder-than-average temperatures?
The following article separates the winter warriors from the fair-weather four-wheelers in electric mobility. Here are the 15 Electric Vehicles For Tackling Winter Weather.
1. Lucid Air
Lucid’s Air has an extensive range to cure any winter range anxiety and takes on Tesla, with the AWD Grand Touring model’s staggering 516-mile range. It’s said to have a combined cold weather range of 355 miles (Dream Edition R).
And when it does need a boost, Level 3 DC fast charging replenishes 300 miles in just 20 blistering minutes.
This electric luxury sedan comforts occupants in an opulent, tech-laden cabin with heated front seats. Upgrade to the Grand Touring for massaging Alcantara seats and a panoramic glass roof – the perfect vantage point for watching the snowfall in absolute comfort.
2. Audi Q8 e-tron
Audi’s Q8 e-tron combines the brand’s pedigree into one luxurious, all-electric package. The standard Quattro AWD SUV easily tackles snow-covered roads, while its refined cabin pampers you with heated premium options – front seats, steering wheel, and rear seats (on Premium Plus) to keep Jack Frost at bay.
But the e-tron’s true strength lies in its range, with the Sportback Ultra model conquering up to 300 miles on a single charge. A new report shows that the e-tron only loses 8% of its range when the temperatures are chilly.
When you need to top up, DC fast charging replenishes 80% of the battery in just 30 minutes – outrunning winter’s wrath in record time.
3. Rivian R1T
Rivian’s R1T has earned its winter badges, unlike any pickup before it. This 2023 all-electric truck packs clever features like a front trunk and gear compartment, an upscale interior, and your choice of dual—or quad-motor AWD setups.
The quad-motor Max battery model boasts an astonishing 410-mile range to conquer the coldest climates.
When running low on juice, DC fast charging restores 140 miles in just 25 minutes. With heated seats and a wheel, the R1T ensures you’ll brave the elements in absolute comfort and capability.
4. Kia EV6
Kia’s EV6 packs a 77.4-kWh battery to outrun winter’s worst. The standard versions traverse an EPA-rated 232-310 miles on a charge, but the performance-oriented GT model turns up the heat.
Despite its 206-mile range, this EV packs potent performance to carve up snowy roads easily. With its heated seats and steering wheel ensuring a toasty cabin, the EV6 GT is an electrifying dance partner for winter’s chaotic ballroom.
5. Tesla Model 3
Tesla’s Model 3 has a dual-motor AWD setup and a 358-mile range, ensuring you can hit the ski resort and back without range anxiety. When recharging, the Supercharger network adds 175 miles in just 15 minutes—quicker than you can de-ice the windshield.
This EV has heated front and rear seats and a heated steering wheel to defrost your digits. For frosty touchscreen operation, invest in special gloves designed for runners—the perfect accessory for this high-tech snow beast.
Tesla’s Model 3 also boasts a refreshed aesthetic as of the 2024 model year.
6. Polestar 2
Polestar’s revamped 2 sedan is a true winter road warrior, emerging from its facelift with a staggering 406-mile range. This electric thoroughbred’s marathon stamina comes courtesy of the Long Range Single Motor variant – which costs nearly half as much as a Tesla Model S, crowning Polestar as the value king of long winter EV travel.
But endurance is nothing without sustenance, and the 2 can guzzle down a 10-80% charge at a blistering 150kW DC rate in just 35 minutes as you take a breather.
7. BMW i4
The 2024 BMW i4 electric sedan conquers winter with powerful traction options. The eDrive35 has a 282-hp rear motor, while the eDrive40 bumps output to 335 hp.
The xDrive40 AWD employs dual motors producing 396 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque for maximized traction. The range-topping M50 takes winter prowess to the extreme with 536 electrified horses and 586 lb-ft from its dual-motor AWD system. With instant torque delivery, the i4 lineup ensures unstoppable performance, no matter the winter conditions.
8. Mercedes-Benz EQE
The Mercedes-Benz EQE offers winter-ready traction with available all-wheel drive. The EQE350+ sends 288 hp to the rear wheels, while the 4Matic adds a front motor for improved grip without increased power.
The EQE500 4Matic employs dual motors for quicker acceleration through the snow, producing a combined 402 electrified horses. With instant torque delivery, the EQE lineup performs confidently in inclement conditions.
9. Ford Mustang Mach-E
Ford’s Mustang Mach-E gallops into winter like a cyber-stallion, blending pony car attitude with SUV versatility. With its California Route 1 trim’s extended range and dual motors delivering 346 electrified horses, this EV conquers 312 miles before sniffing a charger.
When it’s time to refuel, DC fast charging gets you from 10-80% in just 45 minutes – quicker than a pit stop. Heated seats and steering wheel ensure a toasty cabin, while wireless Android/Apple integration keeps you cable-free. With space for 59.7 cubic feet of gear, this 2023 tech-laden beast is ready to tackle whatever winter throws its way.
10. Nissan Ariya
Nissan’s 2023 Ariya electric crossover is a winter warrior. Its premium cabin insulates you from the howling winds outside. With heated seats and a steering wheel, this EV is ready to conquer the coldest days.
However, its true strength is in the available e-4ORCE all-wheel-drive system, which enhances grip on slippery surfaces. With up to 389 horses under the hood, the Ariya will leave Old Man Winter in the rearview.
11. Tesla Model Y Long Range
Tesla’s Model S Long Range Plus is the ultimate winter road trip warrior. It now boasts an EPA-rated 402-mile range—a 20% increase over previous models. This incredible efficiency enables coast-to-coast adventures, from the Everglades to the Arctic Circle, all while sipping electricity.
And with over 17,000 Superchargers worldwide, including V3 tech that slashes charging times by 50%, you’ll outrun winter’s wrath in record time. Heated seats and steering wheel keep you toasty, while over-the-air updates continuously improve your EV’s capabilities.
12. Volkswagen ID.4
The 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 electric SUV delivers a winter-worthy driving range. Models with the larger 77.0-kWh battery pack are EPA-rated for up to 263 miles with all-wheel drive or an impressive 291 miles with rear-wheel drive.
Even the base 58.0-kWh battery provides enough juice for up to 209 miles of range in rear-drive form. With plentiful range reserves no matter the drivetrain configuration, the ID.4 can tackle winter’s inclement conditions without frequent recharging stops.
13. Hyundai Ioniq 5
The retro-futuristic 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a spacious crossover ready for the worst of winter. With heated front seats and a steering wheel, this EV keeps you toasty, while its extended-range battery option delivers up to 303 miles of range to outrun storms.
Need more traction? The 320-hp dual-motor AWD is the real deal. And when you need a top-up, DC fast charging gets you from 10-80% in just 18-25 minutes – quicker than a snow plow clears the roads.
14. Ford F-150 Lightning
Ford’s F-150 Lightning takes the brawn of a full-size pickup into the cold. With its spacious, durable interior and standard heated front seats, you can gear up for ski trips or load bags of rock salt without leaving the toasty cabin.
Optional heated rear seats and steering wheel ensure every occupant stays thawed out. But this EV’s true strength lies in its extended-range battery, which offers up to 320 miles of range.
DC fast charging handily restores 54 miles in just 10 minutes – beating the snowplow to clearing the roads. Let Jack Frost do his worst; the Lightning is locked and loaded.
15. Fisker Ocean
Fisker’s Ocean is the kind of EV you want in winter because even the entry Sport model provides a 273-mile range. But the range-touting Ultra and Extreme trims are the true tempters – flaunting up to an incredible 440 miles on a single charge, courtesy of a massive 106.5kWh battery pack.
Coupled with dual motors churning out 557 electrified horses through all four wheels, these Oceans won’t just conquer winter’s wrath; they’ll leave it in their wake. From blizzard-lashed highways to snowy backroads, let the storms rage – the Ocean’s marathon range ensures you’ll outrun them all.