Driving an electric vehicle (EV) in a Canadian winter presents unique challenges, and the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) has taken a deep dive into just how much range drivers can expect in sub-zero temperatures. Conducted between Ottawa and Mont Tremblant, the CAA EV Winter Test evaluated the real-world performance of 14 popular EV models, revealing that winter weather can cut range by as much as 39 percent.
According to the CAA, official EV range estimates in Canada are based on year-round data, which they say fails to reflect the significant impact of winter conditions. CAA’s test found that every vehicle tested experienced a drop in range, with losses ranging from 14 to 39 percent.
Among the best-performing models were the Chevrolet Silverado EV and Polestar 2, both retaining 86 percent of their advertised range. In contrast, the Volvo XC40 Recharge was the worst performer, delivering just 61 percent of its official range.
The Tesla Model 3 was the second-best performing EV in the test, maintaining 70% of its range in the sub-zero temperatures. (Note: The Silverado EV started at 73% state of charge (SOC) and the F-150 Lightning at 89% SOC).
| Vehicle | Official Range (NRCan) | Tested Range | Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Silverado EV | 724 km | 456 km | -14% |
| Tesla Model 3 | 584 km | 410 km | -30% |
| Polestar 2 | 444 km | 384 km | -14% |
| Kia EV9 | 435 km | 349 km | -20% |
| Volkswagen ID.4 | 468 km | 338 km | -28% |
| Chevrolet Equinox EV | 513 km | 337 km | -34% |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E | 483 km | 334 km | -31% |
| Honda Prologue | 439 km | 334 km | -24% |
| Ford F-150 Lightning | 515 km | 296 km | -35% |
| Kia Niro EV | 407 km | 285 km | -30% |
| Hyundai IONIQ 5 | 410 km | 262 km | -36% |
| Toyota bZ4X | 406 km | 255 km | -37% |
| Volvo XC40 Recharge | 409 km | 248 km | -39% |
Charging in the Cold
While range loss is a key concern, so is charging speed in cold weather conditions. The test evaluated how many kilometers of range each vehicle could add in a 15-minute session on a 350kW DC fast charger. On average, vehicles managed to regain 100 km of range, though results varied significantly. The Tesla Model 3 was the fastest-charging EV, adding 205 km of range in 15 minutes, even though it was limited to 150kW due to the adapter used to charge. Meanwhile, the Toyota bZ4X, known for its poor fast-charging performance, struggled and gained just 19 km in the same timeframe.
| Vehicle | Kilometers Added (15 mins) |
| Tesla Model 3 | 205 km |
| Chevrolet Silverado EV | 199 km |
| Chevrolet Equinox EV | 131 km |
| Polestar 2 | 120 km |
| Volkswagen ID.4 | 112 km |
| Ford F-150 Lightning | 109 km |
| Kia EV9 | 105 km |
| Volvo XC40 Recharge | 90 km |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E | 71 km |
| Hyundai IONIQ 5 | 64 km |
| Kia EV6 | 58 km |
| Kia Niro EV | 35 km |
| Toyota bZ4X | 19 km |
How to Maximize EV Range in Cold Weather
CAA offers several tips to help EV drivers make the most of their battery power in winter:
- Precondition the vehicle: Warm the cabin while the car is still plugged in to preserve battery charge.
- Remove snow and ice: Clearing excess snow reduces weight and aerodynamic drag, helping extend range.
- Use heated seats: They consume less energy than heating the entire cabin.
- Park indoors: Keeping the battery warm can improve both range and charging speed.
A Call for Standardized Winter Ratings
Given the significant variation in winter performance, CAA is advocating for a made-in-Canada EV labeling system that includes winter-specific range estimates. This would provide consumers with a clearer picture of how their vehicles will perform in real-world Canadian conditions, the CAA says..
You can watch a video on the results of the test below.
