The electric vehicle (EV) models with the best range retention in cold weather tend to share common features such as heat pumps, preconditioning capabilities, and efficient thermal management systems. Based on recent studies and data from early 2025, the following EVs stand out for maintaining range well in freezing and subfreezing temperatures:
Top EVs for Range Retention in Cold Weather
- Chevrolet Silverado EV
According to a Canadian Automobile Association study, the Silverado EV showed exceptional cold weather performance with only about a 14% reduction in range at -15°C (5°F), making it one of the best in the field for winter range retention. - Polestar 2
The Polestar 2 also demonstrated strong range retention in the same study, experiencing just a 14% drop in cold conditions, retaining about 255 km (158 miles) of its 384 km (238 miles) official range. - Hyundai Kona Electric
The Hyundai Kona Electric is noted for its excellent winter range retention around 84% of its EPA-rated range. It benefits from having a heat pump, preconditioning, pre-heating, and seat heaters, all contributing to maintaining range in cold weather. - Tesla Model Y
The 2025 Tesla Model Y retains approximately 86% of its maximum range when temperatures drop to freezing. Tesla’s sophisticated battery and thermal management systems help mitigate range loss in winter conditions. - Ford Mustang Mach-E (2025 model)
The 2025 Mustang Mach-E includes a heat pump and achieves about 78% of its peak range in cold weather, making it a solid choice for winter driving. - Nissan Ariya
The Nissan Ariya maintains around 80% of its maximum range in freezing temperatures, aided by AWD and a heat pump system. It is also recognized for good range retention compared to many other models. - Cadillac Optiq (2025 model)
The new Cadillac Optiq shows promise with an estimated 77% range retention at freezing temperatures along with AWD and advanced EV features.
Notably Mentioned Lower Retention Models
- Nissan Leaf
While one of the earliest EVs on the market, the Nissan Leaf retains about 62% of its EPA range at freezing (0°C), which is significantly less than the above models. It lacks a heat pump and has specific cold storage recommendations for battery preservation.
Summary Table of Winter Range Retention Estimates
| EV Model | Winter Range Retention (%) | Key Features for Winter Efficiency |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model Y (2025) | 86% | Advanced thermal management, heat pump |
| Hyundai Kona Electric | 84% | Heat pump, preconditioning, seat heaters |
| Nissan Ariya | 80% | Heat pump, AWD |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E (2025) | 78% | Heat pump |
| Cadillac Optiq (2025) | 77% | AWD, heat pump |
| Polestar 2 | 86% (14% loss) approx. | Efficient battery thermal system |
| Chevrolet Silverado EV | 86% (14% loss) approx. | Large battery, heat management |
| Nissan Leaf | 62% | No heat pump, older technology |
Additional Notes
- Preconditioning (warming the battery and cabin while the car is plugged in) is highly beneficial to preserve range in cold weather across all EVs.
- Battery performance decreases in cold temperatures as batteries prefer around 70°F (21°C) for optimal efficiency, and additional climate control use further reduces range.
- Heat pumps, which more efficiently heat the cabin compared to resistive heating, are crucial for better winter range retention.
In conclusion, the Chevrolet Silverado EV, Polestar 2, Tesla Model Y, and Hyundai Kona Electric are among the top EVs with the best range retention in cold weather, often maintaining around 80-86% of their range under freezing conditions. Vehicles lacking heat pumps like the Nissan Leaf tend to have significantly lower range retention in cold climates.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/which-ev-models-have-the-best-range-retention-in-cold-weather/
