Chinese EVs Dominate Extreme Cold Winter Test, Tesla Model 3 Still Shines

In the world’s largest EV winter test, conducted by Autohome in Yakeshi, Inner Mongolia, at temperatures as low as -30°C (-22°F), Chinese electric vehicles overwhelmingly outperformed rivals, with the Xpeng P7 topping the rankings by retaining 53.9% of its CLTC-rated range (227 miles achieved). Yangwang U7, Zeekr 001, and BYD models followed closely, while the Tesla Model 3 secured fourth place with 48% retention and the Nissan N7 fifth at 47.4%. Tesla’s Model Y variants lagged mid-pack at around 35-36%.

Chinese EVs

The brutal conditions—icy roads, strong winds, and cabin heating—exposed lithium-ion batteries’ vulnerability to cold, causing most vehicles to lose over half their claimed range due to increased electrolyte viscosity and energy diverted to thermal management. Results were amplified by comparing against China’s optimistic CLTC cycle rather than stricter EPA standards.

Despite home-field advantages, the test highlights Chinese EVs’ rapid progress in cold-weather optimization. Yet Tesla Model 3’s strong efficiency (joint-fifth in energy consumption) proves it remains a global benchmark.

Business News