Winter woes: Why EVs face their toughest test in the cold

Winter’s unforgiving grip is a proving ground for electric vehicles in China. This season, the EV market faces a critical test. Data from China’s Ministry of Public Security reveals that, as of June 2024, the country is home to 24.72 million new energy vehicles (NEVs), with EVs representing a significant subcategory. The first half of the year saw 4.397 million new registrations—a 39.41% increase year-on-year, setting a historic record. Market penetration rates have remained above 50% for several consecutive months, highlighting EVs’ growing prominence.

Advancements in battery and high-voltage platform technologies are fueling acceptance of electric vehicles, yet adoption patterns remain uneven across regions. Most of the top cities for all-electric vehicle sales are clustered in southeastern and southwestern China, with only Tianjin and Xi’an representing northern regions. The reason? Harsh winters in the north significantly impact driving range, as cold temperatures compromise vehicle efficiency.

The sharp drop in range for EVs in winter is often pinned on battery performance. Cold weather dampens battery activity, but the problem is multifaceted, encompassing battery capacity, thermal and drivetrain efficiency, aerodynamic drag, rolling resistance, and cabin heating demands. Each of these factors contributes to reduced range.

Addressing this challenge means designing systems that can weather the elements without sacrificing functionality. Batteries with better low-temperature retention, enhanced thermal management, and sophisticated battery management systems are key areas for improvement.

To quantify these challenges, 36Kr evaluated two flagship EVs in Inner Mongolia’s subzero temperatures: Tesla’s Model 3 (Long Range AWD) and the new Luxeed S7. Officially, these vehicles claim ranges of 713 kilometers and 785 kilometers, respectively, powered by ternary lithium batteries with capacities of 78.4 kWh and 100 kWh.

Under –15 to –20 degrees Celsius, both vehicles experienced significant range reductions. The Luxeed S7 achieved a driving range of 467.2 kilometers, or 59.7% of its stated range. Tesla’s Model 3 managed 371 kilometers, equating to 52% of its official range. While both vehicles underperformed, the Luxeed S7 outpaced the Model 3 by nearly 100 kilometers, demonstrating a tangible advantage.

Enhancing EV performance in winter hinges on two strategies: expanding energy capacity and minimizing energy consumption.

Larger batteries and improved materials can extend driving ranges, but low temperatures challenge even the best systems. Cold weather thickens battery electrolytes, slowing lithium-ion migration and reducing usable energy. While ternary lithium batteries offer superior low-temperature stability and energy density compared to lithium iron phosphate batteries, they are more expensive:

This cost disparity, ranging from 10–30%, poses a challenge for manufacturers already navigating fierce price wars.

Reducing energy consumption is crucial to improving EV performance in winter, requiring a focus on minimizing energy losses across all vehicle systems. Key factors impacting winter energy consumption include:

Thermal management systems play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges. The Luxeed S7, for instance, employs Huawei’s DriveOne platform, which integrates various thermal components to shorten heat-conducting pipelines, reducing heat loss and improving energy efficiency by 50% compared to conventional systems.

Heat pump technology is also gaining traction as a winter solution for EVs. Equipped in both Tesla’s Model 3 and the Luxeed S7, heat pumps are 1.8–2.4 times more efficient than traditional positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heating systems, recovering up to 40–50% of the range typically lost to cabin heating.

Execution quality is just as critical. Testing revealed that while Tesla’s Model 3 heat pump emitted sharp, high-pitched noises during charging, driving, and idling, detracting from overall comfort, the Luxeed S7 operated quietly, underlining the importance of prioritizing user experience alongside technical advancements.

As competition heats up, car manufacturers must move beyond focusing solely on technical specifications. While high-voltage platforms, large battery packs, and heat pumps are becoming industry norms, integrating these features into user-focused designs is the real key to capturing market share. Holistic optimization that balances performance, efficiency, and comfort is what will ultimately set the market leaders apart in this evolving market.

KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This article was written by 36Kr Brand.