Source: https://motorwatt.com/ev-news/real-cold-weather-range-of-electric-cars

# Norway Measures Real Cold-Weather Range of 24 Electric Cars

[

Author: Radomir Pocuca

EV expert, author of news and review articles

](/community/radomir)

Share this article in Social Media:

Published: 31 January 2025

The frosty tundras of Norway have once again set the stage for the El Prix winter tests, an electrifying contest that calls upon the most revolutionary electric vehicles to prove their mettle. With 24 electric cars taking on the same icy course, the Polestar 3 emerged as the shining star, flaunting a minor discrepancy of a mere 5% from its confidently declared range of 560 kilometers.

This remarkable performance has secured the Polestar 3 the second spot in historical achievements for the El Prix tests, a record still held by the BMW iX3 with a 4% deviation set back in 2021.

Amidst the swirls of snowflakes and clouds of breath, Norway leads the charge in the electric vehicle domain, boasting a 90% sales ratio for new cars. The Scandinavian winters nurture the perfect proving grounds for electric chariots to strut their capabilities. For half a dozen years, Norwegian car magazine Motor, teamed with the Norwegian Automobile Federation (NAF), has conducted these rigorous tests, taking place under summer sun and winter moon alike to gauge the true ranges as opposed to those boasted by manufacturers under the WLTP standard.

## **Range on Ice: A Performance Recap**

Fresh off the press, the recently concluded El Prix winter test has unveiled some startling insights. A legion of 24 electrically charged marvels embarked on a journey along a route that slashed through icy winds and biting freezes. One by one, they discovered the stark difference between stated range promises and the harsh reality of frosty performance.

The Polestar 3, a triumphant victor, courteously informed us of a 531 kilometer jaunt, diverging a scant 5% from its official range. Meanwhile, the BYD Tang, a seven-seater Chinese adventurer, traveled 482 kilometers—a 9% decrease from its claimed 530 kilometers.

## **Disappointment from the Long-Ranged Beast**

Now, turning our gaze to the Tesla Model 3 Long Range, expectations turned quickly blue as it limped in at a paltry 521 kilometers against a glowing promise of 702 kilometers—earnestly wearing disappointment as it took the 21st spot, out of 24 participants. It wasn't alone in this lackluster parade; the Peugeot E-5008, Voyah Dream, and Peugeot E-3008 followed suit, with staggering shortfalls of 26%, 29%, and 32% respectively.

But that's not all for the Tesla; its trusty onboard computer painted an even prettier picture, exaggerating the traveled distance. While the Polestar 3 relied on Google Maps to attest to its 531-kilometer feat, the Model 3's system conjured an extra 16 kilometers. Here the Tesla driver might momentarily indulge in delusions of grandeur.

## **Norwegian Conditions: A Grueling Test of Stamina**

Let's spare a thought for the intrepid participants braving the Norway chill. A freezing rain opened the journey, causing a roadblock of an hour, and mingled with bone-chilling temperatures that unfailingly maintained their negative stance. The Nordic weather is no friend to electric warriors, necessitating a prudent reserve of battery power.

## **Why the Polestar 3 Leads the Pack**

A proud Swedish conquest, the Polestar 3 exudes dependability even in harsh conditions. With technological prowess that ensures minimal discrepancy between promise and performance, its engineering stands firmly as a bastion of trust for green enthusiasts. In an era where transparency is king, the Polestar 3 maintains unwavering integrity even when the Mercury drops.

## **Tesla's Long Road Ahead**

In stark contrast, the Tesla Model 3 Long Range's underwhelming display calls for introspection. Commanding vast stretches from the comfort of its specs, the bitter reality of a 24% deviation has chipped away at the fairness of expectations versus reality. Even its calculative lapses give pause, hinting at potential recalibrations that must be addressed.

## **The Cold, Hard Facts**

Norway proves to be more than just a picturesque winter wonderland. It challenges the best of electric breed—offer respite to none—forcing them to reconcile with frigid truths. In a country dominated by electric chariots, the El Prix tests disrupt complacency and press forward in the inexorable march towards excellence.

## **A Verdict Frosted with Fairness**

**And here we travel, dear readers, in the ever-charging brigade of electric innovation. Enthusiasts, heed the Polestar 3 for its steadfast honesty. Manufacturers, learn from Tesla's ice-bound missteps. As strides in eco-friendly technology continue to plow through icy barriers, the El Prix tests serve as gatekeepers to the electric chariot kingdom.**

---

## Related Video

- [ NEWS EV Market News

](/ev-news)
- [ BLOG MOTORWATT Blog

](/ev-blog)
- [ RATINGS MOTORWATT Ratings

](/?Itemid=2463)
- [ Market Trends EV Market Trends

](/ev-blog/trends)
- [ Reviews EV Reviews

](/ev-blog/reviews)
- [ EV HOWTOs EV Tips and Tricks

](/ev-blog/howtos)

### Most Popular Posts:

[### How Solid-State Batteries Will Revolutionize EV Range in 2025

Solid-state batteries replace liquid electrolytes with solid ones, boosting EV range to over 500 miles, enabling sub-15-minute charging, and reducing fire risks. As of 2025, automakers like Toyota an…

](/ev-blog/trends/solid-state-batteries-will-revolutionize-ev-range-in-2025)

[### Battery Cost Trends: How Pricing is Transforming the EV Market in 2025

EV battery costs have seen a massive reduction from $1,100 per kWh in 2010 to around $130 per kWh in 2025. This price drop is driven by economies of scale, technological advancements, and increased c…

](/ev-blog/trends/battery-cost-trends)

[### Global EV Sales in 2025: The Highs, Lows, and What’s Next

EV sales in 2025 show a split market. Europe’s electric vehicle sales surged by 34% in January, reaching a 15% market share, driven by stricter emissions laws. The U.S. EV market, up 7.3% in 2024, fa…

](/ev-blog/trends/global-ev-sales-in-2025)

[### The Best Electric Cars of 2026: Top 10 EVs That Deliver Maximum Range, Value, and Performance

How to Choose the Best Electric Cars of 2026 Quick Answer: The best electric cars of 2026 combine extended range (300-500 miles / 483-805 km), rapid charging capabilities, and competitive pricing…

](/ev-blog/reviews/best-electric-cars-of-2026)

[### EV Range Comparison Chart 2025: Which Electric Vehicle Goes the Distance?

EV range Comparison Chart The 2025 EV range comparison chart shows the Lucid Air Grand Touring leading with 512 miles (824 km) from a 118 kWh battery. Budget buyers get 319 miles in the $33,60…

](/ev-blog/reviews/ev-range-comparison-chart)

[### Tesla Cars: 2026 Lineup, Production Power, and What’s Next

Tesla cars anchor the company’s dominance in electric mobility, blending efficiency, high performance, and renewable integration. As of late 2025, Tesla’s global network delivers over 2 million vehic…

](/ev-blog/reviews/tesla-cars-2026-lineup)

[### EV vs Gas Car Cost: Complete 2025 Ownership Comparison Guide

EV vs Gas Car Costs: How to Decide Between an EV and a Gas Car EV vs gas car cost comparison reveals EVs typically cost $6,000-$12,000 less over 7-15 years despite higher purchase prices. Ave…

](/ev-blog/howtos/ev-vs-gas-car-cost)

[### Importing a Chinese Electric Car to the USA: Costs, Rules & Risks

Importing an electric car from China to the USA is technically possible but rarely practical. U.S. laws require strict DOT and EPA compliance, 100%+ tariffs, and now ban most Chinese “connected vehic…

](/ev-blog/howtos/importing-a-chinese-electric-car-to-the-usa)

[### EV Range in Winter: Proven Features That Combat Cold Weather Range Loss in 2025

How to Maximize EV Range in Winter: Features in 2025 EV range in winter performance varies significantly by model and features. Heat pumps reduce cold weather range loss by up to 5…

](/ev-blog/howtos/ev-range-in-winter)
