How do EVs Perform at -32°C? 24 Models Face the Ultimate Winter Test

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has welcomed the completion of the 2026 El Prix winter test led by FIA Member Club the Norges Automobil-Forbund (NAF), in collaboration with Motor.

Over two days in January in Folldal, Norway, 24 of the newest electric vehicle (EV) models on the Norwegian market, including the Audi A6 Avant, Ford Capri, Mercedes-Benz CLA, and Tesla Model Y, were put to the test in extreme temperatures as low as -32°C. The test – the El Prix – is the world’s largest independent real-world EV test, designed to show global drivers how electric cars actually perform beyond laboratory conditions.

The extreme temperatures impacted the vehicles ranges, with these record low temperatures causing range reductions averaging 38% when compared with the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) benchmarks.

However, despite losing some range, the vehicles remained reliable and comfortable, keeping drivers warm in harsh conditions with few technical issues reported. Encouragingly, when drivers used battery preconditioning before charging, most test vehicles came close to their stated charging times, from 10% to 80% capacity.

The findings offer practical insights for consumers in colder climates across the world – this comes as many countries are facing harsh winters this year with the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) stating that this season “could be the longest duration of cold in several decades.”[1]  

Tor Arne Litlere, NAF President said: “El Prix provides motorists with invaluable data and insight into how EVs truly perform when tested to their limit in the harshest Nordic conditions.

Situation based knowledge about the deviations from WLTP range is a true value for members and road users from these tests.”

Willem Groenewald, FIA Secretary General for Automobile Mobility and Sustainability said: “The future of mobility is constantly changing. Providing consumers with essential data on new technologies, such as improved performance of EVs is key for shaping selection and choice for road users.

 It is also testament to the adaptability of manufacturers to drive innovation forward to the ultimate benefit of consumers, not only in battery improvements but also in terms of safety standards.”

While the results show that extreme cold temperatures have a negative impact on EV range, NAF have suggested that, with proper preparation and a robust charging infrastructure, electric mobility could remain a viable mobility solution in colder regions.

This year’s event also demonstrated enhanced international cooperation through the El Prix Co‑Driver Programme, with participation from the global span of FIA Member Clubs including: the Canadian Automobile Association North & East Ontario (CAA NEO, Canada), Federation of Danish Motorists (FDM, Denmark), Icelandic Automobile Association (FÍB, Iceland), Touring Club Belgium (TCB, Belgium), and the Österreichischer Automobil- Motorrad- Und Turing Club (ÖAMTC, Austria).

El Prix, conducted twice a year to investigate EV performance in winter and summer, serves as a key reference for consumers and industry stakeholders seeking realistic performance expectations in different conditions, complementing the laboratory‑based WLTP figures with data from real‑world scenarios.

For more detailed results and methodology from this year’s El Prix, visit the NAF website: https://www.naf.no/elbil/elprix.

-ENDS-

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About the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile 

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility. 

Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including six FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.