A new study reveals that electric vehicles (EV) from certain OEMs such as Tesla, Nissan, and Volkswagen, face a steep range loss of over 50% or significantly slower charging times compared to other companies during the winter season.

As if range anxiety isn’t already a major concern of EVs, colder temperatures can slow the reactions inside the battery pack, causing reduced range, slower charging, and energy loss, which is demonstrated in the study.

However, the study from Vaziri Law Group Personal Injury Attorneys offers insights into specific models while showing that strategic adjustments can help an EV maintain its performance and safety in cold conditions despite the potential losses.

What the Winter Unreliability Score Reveals About EV Performance

The study evaluated key metrics that affect EV performance, safety, and convenience in cold conditions. Data was collected for each EV model across four main metrics:

• Verified winter range loss (%), which measures the percentage reduction in driving range during winter. Sourced from Recurrent.

• Accidents during winter (3-year period), which represent reliability and safety, the study's authors believe. Sourced from the NHTSA's Fatality and Injury Reporting System Tool.

• Charging time (10% to 80%) with DC fast charging, indicating convenience during winter charging. Sourced from EVBox. 

• Battery usable capacity (kWh),as lower capacity can exacerbate range issues in colder weather. Sourced from the Electric Vehicle Database.

The winter “unreliability” score calculated by Vaziri Law Group combined these values, with higher scores indicating greater winter unreliability.

Range and Charging Woes for Nissan Leaf

According to the study, the Nissan Leaf ranks as the most unreliable EV in winter, losing 38% of its range in cold weather. It also faces slower charging times (59 minutes from 10% to 80%) and moderate accident risks, highlighting the need for winter tires in harsh conditions.

High Range Loss and Winter Accidents Affect Tesla Scores

Tesla models grab multiple spots at the top of the list, with the Model Y ranking second, facing one of the highest winter range losses at -52%, the second largest in this study behind the Tesla Model S at -55%.

The Tesla Model X ranks third with a score of 75.88 and shares a -52% winter range loss, similar to the Model Y. Although it recorded only three winter accidents, its large 95 kWh battery faces notable energy drain in cold climates.

With the lowest score of any Tesla model at 55.71, the Tesla Model 3 ranks 14th, recording the highest number of winter accidents at 26 and a -50% range loss.

While faster charging times provide some relief, averaging about 30 minutes from 10% to 80%, frequent winter accidents and handling challenges raise concerns for Tesla drivers in icy conditions.

Kona Holds Top Reliability Spot Despite High Accident Rate

The Ford Mustang Mach-E ranks eighth with a score of 68.69, showing a -37% range loss. It recorded just one winter accident, but its 47-minute charging time might be a slight disadvantage.

Ranking ninth, the Chevrolet Bolt has a -32% winter range loss and 3 winter accidents. It has the longest charging time in the top 10, reaching up to 75 minutes, making it inconvenient for drivers facing frequent winter charging needs.

The Hyundai Ioniq ranks 11th for winter reliability with minimal range loss (-3%) and the fastest charging time (16 minutes). However, six recorded winter accidents highlight potential handling issues on icy roads.

Lastly, the Hyundai Kona ranks 16th with the lowest score of 36.44, indicating it is the most reliable out of the group. Although it only loses -16% of its range, it recorded 22 winter accidents, the second highest in this study.

Cold Weather Strategies for Electric Vehicle Drivers

Cold weather presents unique challenges for EV drivers, from reduced battery range to longer charging times and handling issues on icy roads, but preventive measures can help mitigate these losses.

“Since low temperatures can reduce battery range by 10% to 20% or more, pre-conditioning the cabin and battery while plugged in helps limit energy loss and preserves range,” a Vaziri Law Group spokesperson said.

It’s also important to plan for extra charging time, which tends to be slower in the winter, and invest in winter tires to help with handling. Due to the added weight of EVs, it can be hard to control slides on icy roads.

“Additionally, using features like heated seats rather than cabin heat conserves battery power and maximizes regenerative braking where safety can capture energy otherwise lost during deceleration,” the spokesperson added.

More info on methodology, raw data, and ranking can be found here.