The Chinese automotive publication MyDrivers decided to test how electric cars function in cold weather. For this, the experts chose four dozen "green" cars and tested them on city streets and on highways. Most of them are unknown outside of China, but models sold in other countries were also among the tested: Tesla Model Y and Model 3, Porsche Taycan, Audi e-tron, Volkswagen ID.3, Geely Geometry C and Polestar 2.

They decided to carry out the tests in the region of Inner Mongolia in the north of the PRC. Before the tests, the electric car was charged to 100 percent and left overnight, after which the tests used only an economical driving mode with the function of recuperating kinetic energy during braking. The driver and one passenger were in the cabin. The climate system, of course, was turned on: it was set at 24 degrees Celsius.

Most cars in -20 Celsius weather lost 40 to 60 percent of their range. The Chinese model Weilai EC6 became the leader in the tests in terms of cruising range: it retained 54.8 percent of the charge, but was able to drive 336.9 kilometers with a passport stock of 615 kilometers.

Note that test had been designed to show best possible outcome, using very low load on battery to allow car to run longer. Normal harder use will be even more miserable.