Tesla Model 3 Sub-Zero Road Range Test Results in the Real World

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Here’s exactly how far a fully charged Tesla Model 3 will actually travel following an overnight park in sub-zero temperatures.

Range Claims

One of the most common overstatements or claims made by EV auto manufacturers is that of the range of a fully charged EV. In many news reports, those claims more often fall short than not when tested under real world conditions by EV owners hoping that those claims are really true. Tesla especially is known for range inflation claims―among other claims that are not necessarily true.

Range is a Bigger Issue During Winter In and During Cold Climes

While it may seem a little on the nit-picky side of arguing about EV manufacturer claims, it is after all, a new technology in its growing phase. What is more important, however, is how range is affected by non-ideal cold weather conditions.

Cold temperatures can have a noticeable impact on the performance and efficiency of electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Some ways in which cold weather can affect EV battery charge include:

1. Reduced Range: Cold temperatures can lead to a decrease in the overall driving range of an electric vehicle. This is because the chemical reactions within the battery that produce electricity slowdown in colder conditions. EV drivers may experience a reduction in the number of miles they can travel on a single charge.

2. Slower Charging: Charging an EV in cold weather may take longer compared to milder temperatures. This is because the battery management system often limits the charging rate to protect the battery from potential damage. Slower charging can be a concern for EV owners who rely on fast charging infrastructure.

3. Battery Efficiency: Cold temperatures can reduce the efficiency of the battery, meaning that a smaller portion of the energy from the battery is available to power the vehicle. This can lead to a decrease in overall energy efficiency and performance.

4. Regenerative Braking Impact: Regenerative braking, a feature that recovers energy during braking and stores it back in the battery, may be less effective in cold weather. This is because the battery may not be able to accept the regenerative energy as efficiently when it is cold.

5. Preconditioning: To mitigate the impact of cold weather, many EVs come equipped with a pre-conditioning feature. This allows drivers to warm up the battery and cabin while the vehicle is still connected to the charger, helping to improve performance and range in cold conditions.

6. Battery Wear: While not directly related to the immediate charge, it's worth noting that exposure to extreme temperatures, including cold weather, over time can contribute to battery degradation. Proper battery management and thermal control systems in EVs are designed to minimize this impact.

In other words, while electric vehicles perform well in various weather conditions, cold temperatures can lead to temporary reductions in range, charging speed, and overall efficiency. Because of these effects, manufacturers are working on developing technologies to address these challenges and enhance the cold-weather performance of EVs.

A Recent Real-World Test

So, the begged question then is: Just how much is range affected when an EV is parked overnight in sub-zero conditions?

That was the question asked and tested in a recent TFLEV YouTube channel episode where the host shows what kind of range effect you can expect with an EV using a Tesla Model 3 as an example in Colorado.

Follow along with the host as he shows how he did his test and what the results were so that you can judge for yourself if this is a serious enough problem to encourage you to try to remedy your EV until this winter ends.

Please note that the only claimed modification to the Tesla was the use of Michelin CrossClimate 2 all-weather tires due to the snow and ice conditions.

The Value of This Video

The value of this video is that it provides EV owners with a reasonable guess-estimation of what to expect and plan for when driving under these kind of weather conditions that are happening right now! Plus, some advice on how to make the best of your EV battery range.

Tesla Model 3 Sub-Zero Range Test: We All Know That EV Range Is Bad in The Cold...But This Bad!

 

For additional EV-related articles, here are a few for your consideration:

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on  “Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair” website, the Zen Mechanic blog and on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites  and Facebook for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

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