The Tesla Model S outperformed 28 other cars in a winter range test
Every year, the Norwegian Motor.no and the Norwegian Automobile Federation conduct winter and summer tests to assess the true performance of various electric vehicles, including some rare Chinese models that can be bought in the country. These tests aim to determine the actual mileage of these popular vehicles, as we know that WLTP ranges are often overstated.
During this year’s winter test, the LR trim of the Model S achieved a new record of 530km, surpassing the previous record of 521km set by the Model 3 LR Dual Motor in 2021. Despite the fact that the Model S was unable to charge over 98%, which put it at a slight disadvantage compared to most cars in the test.
The test was conducted in harsh Norwegian winter conditions, with temperatures ranging from -5°C to -10°C, and even dropping to -19°C in some areas of the test route. Motor.no reported on the test, and the crew used the same test route as in previous years. Check out the Routes.
- From Oslo, around Rondane National park and back
Typically, cars experience a reduction of their WLTP range ranging from 20% to 30% in such circumstances, although there are a few remarkable cases. The Tesla Model S is one such example, with only a 16.40% difference, as is the Maxus Euniq6, which lost just 10.45%. Additionally, the MG Marvel R and MG 5 had deviations of only 16% and 17% from their WLTP values, respectively.
| Model | Advertised range (WLTP) | Actual range | Deviation from WLTP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model S LR | 614km 382mi |
530km 329mi |
-16.40% |
| Mercedes EQE 300 | 614km 382mi |
409km 254mi |
-33.39% |
| BMW i7 xDrive60 | 595km 370mi |
424km 263mi |
-28.74% |
| Nio ET7 100kWh | 580km 360mi |
434km 270mi |
-25.17% |
| BMW i4 eDrive40 | 565km 351mi |
434km 263mi |
-23.19% |
| Tesla Model X Plaid | 543km 337mi |
444km 276mi |
-18.23% |
| Nissan Airya 2WD | 533km 331mi |
400km 249mi |
-24.95% |
| Volkswagen ID.5 Pro | 526km 327mi |
378km 235mi |
-28.14% |
| BYD Han | 521km 324mi |
406km 252mi |
-22.07% |
| Hongqi E-HS9 prototype (120 kWh) | 515km 320mi |
389km 242mi |
-24.47% |
| Skoda Enyaq Coupe RS | 510km 317mi |
338km 210mi |
-33.73% |
| Toyota bZ4X 2WD | 503km 313mi |
323km 201mi |
-35.79% |
| Voyah Free | 501km 311mi |
391km 243mi |
-21.96% |
| Hongqi E-HS9 99kWh | 465km 289mi |
303km 188mi |
-34.84% |
| Kia Niro EV | 460km 285mi |
343km 213mi |
-25.43% |
| Tesla Model Y SR+ RWD | 455km 283mi |
337km 209mi |
-25.93% |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 LR 4WD | 454km 282mi |
345km 214mi |
-24.01% |
| Mercedes EQB 250 | 452km 281mi |
334km 208mi |
-26.11% |
| MG ZS LR | 440km 273mi |
352km 219mi |
-20.00% |
| JAC e–JS4 | 433km 269mi |
323km 201mi |
-25.40% |
| BMW iX1 xDrive30 | 428km 266mi |
337km 209mi |
-21.26% |
| Renault Megane E-Tech | 428km 266mi |
318km 198mi |
-25.70% |
| MG4 EV LR | 425km 264mi |
338km 210mi |
-20.47% |
| Kia EV6 GT | 424km 263mi |
349km 217mi |
-17.69% |
| BYD Atto 3 | 420km 261mi |
311km 193mi |
-25.95% |
| Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro | 408km 254mi |
310km 193mi |
-24.02% |
| MG5 LR | 380km 236mi |
313km 194mi |
-17.63% |
| MG Marvel R AWD | 370km 230mi |
308km 191mi |
-16.76% |
| Maxus Euniq6 | 354km 220mi |
317km 197mi |
-10.45% |
On the opposite side of the spectrum, the Mercedes EQE 300 experienced a significant decrease in its advertised range, dropping by 33.39%. However, there is some positive news as the EQE still managed to surpass a range of 400km. The Hongqi E-HS9, a Chinese car, also had a drop in range of over 34%.
Once again, the Toyota bZ4X in its two-wheel drive version had the lowest performance, with a reduction in range of 35.79%. Interestingly, the company decided not to provide the 4WD version as it had underperformed in various range and consumption tests. The company plans to make some necessary updates before testing the vehicle again. The same plan applies to the Subaru Solterra, which is identical to the Toyota bZ4X.
The Chinese winter test showed comparable results, and once again the bZ4X failed to meet expectations. Additionally, there are 12 cars manufactured in China on the list, a few of which are about to be launched in Europe, such as the JAC e-JS4, Voyah Free, BYD Atto, BYD Han, and the Nio ET7.
