When winter takes its toll, electric cars face their biggest challenge yet – range. Norway, the electric powerhouse, has conducted a test of electric car range in winter, revealing a winner, but also some shocking disappointments.
Star winter test The Polestar 3 is due in 2025. Norway, known for its harsh winters and the near-complete electrification of its vehicle fleet, has once again shown why it is an automotive Mecca for testing electric vehicles. Their automotive magazine Engine and the NAF automobile association carried out the traditional test The Price, where the electric giants competed in extreme conditions.
The test involved 24 brand new electric cars, which were charged to the brim and sent on a challenging journey until they reached their limits. The results? Polestar 3 surprised with the smallest deviation from the promised range, while the Tesla Model 3 – 531 kilometers – remained the leader in terms of mileage – with a noticeable bitter aftertaste.
Tesla Model 3: mileage champion, but a disappointment on paper
The Tesla Model 3, the king of electric roads, boasted the longest WLTP range – 702 kilometers. But the cold reality of the Norwegian winter revealed a different picture. The Model 3 covered 531 kilometers, which is the most among the tested cars, but with a deviation of -24 % compared to the manufacturer's promises. Tesla, known for its technological sophistication and long distances, only landed in 21st place in terms of percentage deviation.
While Tesla's real-world reach is impressive, the question remains: how long can Tesla live up to its reputation if its promises don't match its results?
Polestar 3: a quiet victory
Polestar 3, the fresh Swedish challenger, surprised everyone. With an official WLTP range of 560 kilometers, it actually covered 531 kilometers, which means a deviation of only -5 %. This is the second best result in the history of the winter test The PriceThe first record is still held by the BMW iX3 with only 4 % deviations in 2021.
Why this matters? Winter conditions are the enemy of electric cars, as low temperatures reduce battery performance. The Polestar 3 has proven that technology can overcome these challenges and convincingly reveal the true quality of the vehicle.
The best and worst among those tested
In addition to Tesla and Polestar, some other models dominated the test:
- Audi Q6 e-tron: impressive WLTP range of 616 km, but winter results showed 481 km (-22 %).
- Kia EV3 and Porsche Taycan: both achieved the same 499 kilometers, which is a deviation of -15 % for the Kia and -16 % for the Porsche.
- BMW i5 Touring: despite high technology, it only reached 392 kilometers out of the promised 497 (-21 %).
- Voyah Dream: at the bottom of the scale with a deviation of -29 % (traveled 344 km out of the promised 482).
Meanwhile, Mini Countryman with the shortest range (399 km) proved that small size is not always an advantage, especially in extreme winter conditions.
What does the winter 2025 test teach us?
Winter test The Price reminds us of the realities of electric vehicles. Official WLTP figures, often tested under ideal laboratory conditions, are not always a good indicator of actual real-life performance – especially in colder climates.
The Polestar 3 proves that newer players can overtake established brands like Tesla. Tesla's mileage record remains remarkable, but the gap between promise and reality opens the door to competition.
We expect the test results to influence consumer perceptions and perhaps even encourage manufacturers to be more honest in their promises. Until then, one thing is clear: The Norwegian winter is the ultimate test for electric vehicles – and their promises.
Conclusion: Buy wisely
If you're curious about how your dream electric vehicle will perform in real-world conditions, check out test results like The Price. The Polestar 3 has proven that it's not just range that counts, but reliability as well. Tesla remains the leader, with a hint of disappointment. Who knows what the summer 2025 test will bring?
