Tesla Model Y Owner Says, “I Made a Delivery To a Building’s Unplowed Parking Lot, I Was Pushing Snow With My Bumper, and My Y Took It Like a Champ”

If you are wondering how Tesla vehicles do in the snow, this report is for you. However, there's more to the story than snow. 

First, I found Rob Lippke's Facebook post while researching Tesla Y models. He says his Tesla Model Y is a great snow vehicle. He drove through feet of the white stuff. Here's what Tesla buyers and owners need to know. 

Rob says, "I was delivering groceries to an apartment building’s unplowed parking lot and there was over a foot of new snow. I was pushing snow with my bumper, and my Tesla Model Y took it like a champ."

One look at the image above reveals there was a lot of snow. Rob pushed snow with his bumper, and the Model Y plowed right through it. 

In my previous Tesla report, a Tesla Model X owner said she loves her Model X in the snow.

Selena says, "Heading into the fourth winter with a Tesla, I wouldn't trade it for anything. I still get people who say it must be bad in the snow, hard to charge, etc."

"They heat up faster than any ICE, and I always feel extra safe driving it. And it's another level of ease when FSD drives me." 

"I don't have to go out of my way to pump gas in sub-zero temps; I just drive home and plug in, she says, laughing. 

"Honesty, driving something other than a Tesla is a huge pain in the derriere and not nearly as easy and fun."

Tesla Life in Winter 

Selena says, "I had to take a few runs in reverse to push the snow so the car could reach the Supercharger." 

"Now that it's plugged in and charging, I get to spend about 20 minutes toasty warm and catch up on X." 

A comment I received from Jeff Miller said, "It's the best vehicle with four wheels in the winter that I've ever driven. I live in Minnesota and get out to the Rocky Mountains quite often. Nothing comes close to my Model X with winter tires on it. 8 inches of snow is zero problems! I was blasting through that like I was on a snowmobile on a groomed trail!"

However, There's More To It Than Snow

A comment from Ray on the Tesla Motors Club website says, "I live in Minnesota, so here's what I can tell you about my 2016 Model X in snow." 

"You will lose range w/ the cold ambient temperatures, so plan accordingly - both from the cabin heater and from keeping the pack at optimal temps."

How Much Range Will You Lose In Cold Weather?

A recent report from Automotive News says, "On average, electric vehicle models lose about 20 percent of their range in freezing temperatures, according to Recurrent, an EV battery and range analytics company."

In the report, the Tesla Model X had the best range of the EVs included in the study. It kept 89 percent of its normal range when in the cold.

Which EV Was the Worst?

The Volkswagen ID4 fared the worst, maintaining 63 percent of its stated range.

The Tesla models (with heat pumps) retained the highest range of any EVs in the test.

• Tesla Model X (89%) 
• Tesla Model S (88%) 
• Tesla Model 3 (87%) 
• Tesla Model Y (86%) 
• The Audi E-tron was third overall, retaining 87% of its range. 

Another Concern Is Charging

Andrew Garberson, Recurrent's head of growth and research, told Automotive News.

"Another concern for potential EV buyers is the impact of cold weather on charging. EV batteries can't accept a charge when they're too cold, which sometimes makes for longer charging times." 

"But manufacturers are already trying to address this issue with newer models. One of the things that most vehicles will do is set the charging station as the destination on the vehicle GPS, and it will begin to pre-condition the battery," Garberson said.

While it's important to measure the impact of cold weather on EVs, Garbeson said it's also important to note that the cold affects both EVs and combustion engine vehicles.

"To me, the number one result from this study has been that EV owners can make small adjustments in their driving habits to largely negate the effects of the cold," Garberson said.

A report from PBS has key points about cold weather and EVs:

Reduced range:

• When temperatures drop, the battery's ability to store and release energy diminishes, resulting in a significant reduction in driving range, sometimes by 20-30% in extremely cold conditions. 

Slower charging:

• Cold batteries charge more slowly because the chemical reactions required to store electricity are less efficient in low temperatures. 

Battery heating systems:

• Many modern EVs incorporate battery heating systems to partially alleviate the effects of cold weather by warming the battery before charging or driving. 

How To Manage Cold Weather Driving In An EV

• Plan ahead: Be aware of potential range reductions and plan your trips accordingly, ensuring you have enough charge. 
• Pre-heat the car: Use the car's heating system to warm the battery before driving, which can help improve range. 
• Use seat warmers: Rely on seat warmers instead of full cabin heating to minimize energy consumption. 
• Charge at higher temperatures: Charge your EV indoors or in a sheltered area to maintain a warmer battery temperature. 

Final Thoughts 

You don't need to be afraid to buy an electric vehicle if you live in a cold and snowy climate. "Now, more than ever, it's clear that these cars (EVs) do just fine in the winter," Andrew Garberson told Automotive News.

Questions For Tesla Owners

Are you an owner of a Tesla model living in the northern tier states or mountain states? Your experience matters. Click the red Add New Comment link below and share your story with us. 

Check out my Tesla report titled; I Bought A Used Tesla Model S, and the Dealer Failed To Disclose It Had Been In An Accident, Now Tesla Is Refusing Warranty Repairs

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Rob Lippke