Cold weather challenges: electric cars lose range, while gasoline cars maintain predictability

The latest test results of the Euro NCAP organization as part of tests called Green NCAP provide insight into the environmental impact and energy efficiency of four popular family models. Electric BYD Sealion 7 and CUPRA Born and gasoline models of BMW series 5 and X2 were tested. The tests were primarily focused on the driving experience in real conditions, with a special emphasis on the changes brought by low temperatures.

Challenges of electric propulsion

The results show that the cold brings specific compromises for both types of drives, but in different ways. With electric vehicles, the main challenge remains the loss of range at low temperatures. The BYD Sealion 7 model, a large SUV with an 82.5 kWh battery, showed relative resilience with a range drop of 16% in cold conditions. On the other hand, the lighter CUPRA Born recorded a more drastic drop in range of as much as 33%, reducing the range from 328 to only 221 kilometers.

Despite the loss of range, electric models still dominate in overall sustainability. The CUPRA Born earned four and a half stars with a score of 86%, while the BYD Sealion 7 earned four stars. These results reflect the high energy efficiency and advantages of the European energy mix. However, Green NCAP recommends software updates for the BYD to give drivers more reliable information on consumption, which during highway testing was 27.1 kWh/100 km.

Gasoline predictability

Against their electric rivals, BMW’s internal combustion models, the 520i and X2 sDrive20i, showed exceptional predictability. Since these cars use excess heat from the engine to warm the cabin, the impact of the cold on fuel consumption was minimal.

For example, the BMW 5 Series increased consumption from 6.8 to 8.1 l/100 km in cold conditions, while the X2 increased its consumption from 7.1 to 8 l/100 km. It is described as predictable and gives drivers more confidence when planning longer journeys in the winter months. Both BMW models tested received good marks in the category of consumption and reach. Their effectiveness in controlling exhaust gases is particularly noteworthy, where both models achieved high scores on the Clean Air Index (over 6.5/10).

Ecology versus classics

Modern exhaust gas treatment systems successfully minimize harmful emissions, thereby reducing their negative impact on local air quality, despite the use of fossil fuels. However, in the overall ranking of sustainability, the petrol models failed to cross the threshold of three stars. Due to inevitable CO emissions₂ over its lifetime, both tested BMW models were rated with two and a half stars. While they offer stability and predictability, Green NCAP concludes, electric vehicles like the CUPRE and BYD remain the superior choice for the more environmentally conscious, even despite the operational challenges presented by cold weather.

“The Green NCAP tests provide key real-world insights for consumers navigating the often confusing choice between a large electric vehicle and a top-of-the-range petrol. With the Sealion 7 and CUPRA Born models, BYD and CUPRA offer extremely attractive options that combine strong performance with lower environmental impact – a win-win for many customers. However, as with all electric vehicles, drivers must be mindful of the significant reduction in range that can occur in cold winter conditions.

BMWs, on the other hand, provide predictable reach and the convenience of easy refueling, but remain limited by the inherent carbon footprint of burning fossil fuels. Industry focus must now turn to perfecting the thermal management of electric vehicles to remove range anxiety in cold weather. With the Sealion 7 model, BYD shows that the sector is moving decisively in the right direction, offering a glimpse of what well-designed electric vehicles can achieve,” says Dr. Aleksandar DamyanovTechnical Manager of Green NCAP.