These are the most reliable EVs to drive in the winter according to report focusing on different performance factors
Published on Feb 03, 2026 at 12:12 PM (UTC+4)
by Jason Fan
Last updated on Feb 03, 2026 at 1:44 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
The most reliable EVs for driving in winter have just been ranked, and the results may change how you look at cold-weather electric motoring.
A January 2026 study set out to find which EVs handle freezing temperatures without turning into range-anxious ice cubes.
The researchers focused on real-world concerns like battery performance, efficiency, safety, and charging capability.
The goal was simple: figure out which electric cars stay dependable when the temperature drops.
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The most reliable EVs are dominated by European brands
The report, conducted by B2B automotive company eCarsTrade, created a ‘Winter EV Worthiness Score’ using four major factors.
First was winter range loss and officially rated range, meaning how far an EV can actually travel when it is cold.
Next came overall efficiency, measured in energy use per kilometer.
Safety also mattered, with researchers looking at fatal crashes per 100,000 vehicles sold.
Finally, battery specs such as total capacity and max charging speed helped round out the rankings.
Price was also considered to factor in real-world practicality.
So which EV managed to take the top spot?
Well, the honor went to the BMW i4.
It lost just 18 percent of its range in cold conditions, and it’s one of the most efficient vehicles studied at 168Wh per kilometer.
Fast charging at up to 113kW helps keep downtime short, and its average price of about $74,900 made it one of the more accessible high performers.
Second place went to the Audi e-tron, which posted the lowest winter range loss in the study at only 14.5 percent.
With a maximum charging rate of 204 kW, it also charged faster than most rivals.
Its 430km rated range and strong winter resilience are impressive, though the price sat higher at roughly $101,400.
The BMW iX landed in third, offering 442km of range, and only losing around 17 percent in winter.
It also scored well in safety and comes in cheaper than the Audi, averaging $84,200.
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Tesla vehicles do quite well in the cold
Tesla grabs fourth and fifth with the Model Y and Model 3.
The Model Y offered 450 km of range and only about 15 percent winter loss, while consuming a frugal 164Wh per kilometer.
The Model 3 goes even further at 464km and leads the pack in efficiency at 143Wh per kilometer, alongside strong safety scores.
Rounding out the top 10 are the Rivian R1T, Tesla Model X, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Porsche Taycan, and Volkswagen ID.4.
While driving in winter is generally not ideal for EVs, this list proves that there are still reliable options when things get chilly.
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Jason joined the editorial team at Supercar Blondie in April 2025 as a Content Writer. As part of the growing editorial team working in Australia, and in synergy with team members in Dubai, the UK, and elsewhere in the world, he helps keep the site running 24/7, injecting his renowned accuracy and energy into every shift.
