A comprehensive new report has identified the Zeekr 007 as the leading electric vehicle (EV) for maintaining performance during long winter road trips. The study, conducted by international online car auction platform eCarsTrade, indicates the Zeekr 007 can travel over 700 kilometres in cold conditions with a minimal power loss of just 16 percent.
Comprehensive Analysis of EV Winter Performance
The eCarsTrade report meticulously analysed 57 different electric vehicles to determine their reliability and range in cold climates. The evaluation focused on how far each car could realistically travel in freezing temperatures and their overall energy efficiency during such conditions.
The selection of EVs included a diverse range of body styles, such as sedans, SUVs, and trucks. The analysis was limited to vehicles that are either currently available in major markets or have been broadly announced, and for which published specifications and winter-loss data were accessible, or at least sufficient technical data for estimation.
It is important to note that eCarsTrade compiled its findings by leveraging published data rather than conducting its own real-world testing. The data points considered included rated range in kilometres, reported winter range loss as a percentage, battery capacity in kilowatt-hours, energy efficiency ratings, and purchase price.
Key Metrics Driving the Rankings
The report assessed each vehicle across four critical indicators:
- Real-world winter range: How far the vehicle can travel on a single charge in cold weather.
- Battery loss in freezing temperatures: The percentage of range or power lost due to cold.
- Energy efficiency: How effectively the vehicle uses its stored energy.
- Purchase price: The cost of acquiring the vehicle.
Top Performers in Winter Conditions
The Zeekr 007 emerged at the top of the rankings with a rated range of 870 kilometres. In winter highway conditions, it achieved a real-world range of 730 kilometres, representing a winter range loss of only 16 percent.
Following the Zeekr 007 in the report’s findings were the Nio ET7 (150kWh) and the Polestar 3. Notably, the Polestar 3 was also identified as the most reliable EV, experiencing a minimal range loss of just 8.5 percent in winter conditions.
Other high-ranking vehicles included the Zeekr 001 and the Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan. The report provides a detailed ranking of the top 10 EVs for winter performance.
Understanding EV Range Reduction in Cold
Experts explain that cold weather significantly impacts EV range due to the inherent properties of battery technology.
“Cold weather kills EV range because batteries just don’t work as well when they’re freezing,” stated one of eCarsTrade’s experts. “We’re running the heater, the battery itself is less efficient, and the whole system has to work harder.”
The expert further elaborated on what distinguishes superior winter EVs: “What separates good winter EVs from bad ones isn’t just the size of the battery, it’s having proper thermal management that keeps everything at the right temperature. Some automakers build that in from day one, and that’s why they stand out.”
Top 10 EVs for Winter Performance: A Detailed Look
The eCarsTrade report provides a detailed breakdown of the top electric vehicles for winter driving, considering range, efficiency, and cost. Here’s a summary of the top 10:
| EV Model | Rated Range (km) | Winter Range Loss (%) | Winter Highway Range (km) | Price | Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zeekr 007 | 870 | 16 | 730.8 | $40K | 74.82 |
| NIO ET7 (150kWh) | 1000 | 20 | 800 | $100K | 72.95 |
| Polestar 3 | 648 | 8.5 | 592.92 | $35K | 65.99 |
| Zeekr 001 | 750 | 18 | 615 | $65K | 62.86 |
| Mercedes-Benz EQS (sedan) | 822 | 17.5 | 678.15 | $77.9K | 60.55 |
| Xpeng P7 | 706 | 20 | 564.8 | $48K | 59.55 |
| GMC Sierra EV | 769 | 14 | 661.34 | $52.4K | 59.04 |
| BYD Han EV | 715 | 22 | 557.7 | $50K | 58.9 |
| BYD Seal | 700 | 22 | 546 | $38K | 57.92 |
| Chevrolet Silverado EV | 792 | 14 | 681.12 | $89.9K | 56.33 |
The complete research findings from eCarsTrade offer a valuable resource for consumers seeking to make informed decisions about purchasing electric vehicles suitable for diverse climate conditions, particularly those facing regular winter weather challenges.