Tesla struggles in ice pit test while multiple Chinese electric vehicles pass with ease
Published on Feb 08, 2026 at 10:28 PM (UTC+4)
by Jason Fan
Last updated on Feb 04, 2026 at 9:44 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
Tesla faced a rocky moment in an ice pit test conducted in China, designed to push vehicles to the limits of winter driving.
The challenge was a massive icy pod that tested traction, power delivery, and control.
Fans and skeptics alike crowded around screens, eager to see if Tesla could dominate or be humbled by its rising competition.
The result was rather unusual, and a few unexpected heroes emerged from China’s EV market.
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Xiaomi underperformed during the ice pit test
The test began with the Xiaomi SU7, hyped as a domestic technological marvel.
Surprisingly, as it attempted to climb out of the ice pod, it slipped and spun helplessly, leaving viewers cringing.
Rescue crews eventually had to tow the EV out, marking a very undignified debut.
Xiaomi’s follow-up, the YU7, fared only slightly better.
Despite the driver’s desperate maneuvers and repeated pedal presses, the vehicle failed to escape the icy trap without intervention.
These high-profile flops immediately drew sharp commentary online, with critics poking fun at the gap between Xiaomi’s marketing claims and real-world performance.
Then came the Tesla Model Y, which had the crowd holding its breath.
It did well compared to the Xiaomi vehicles, managing to glide up the icy slope, and even taking a second run for good measure.
The Model 3 followed, showing patience and clever control, eventually crawling out of the ice pit in a last-minute triumph.
Tesla’s vehicles demonstrated remarkable engineering, especially in terms of electric control and traction management.
While the Tesla vehicles appeared to have outperformed their Chinese rivals, this wasn’t over quite yet.
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The best cars for winter driving aren’t always the priciest
Next, a wave of lesser-known Chinese EVs took the stage, stunning spectators.
The Dongfeng EI00007 executed a flawless series of 360-degree spins and emerged from the pit unscathed, shocking spectators.
In case you’re not familiar with the carmaker, this is the same company that recently unveiled an off-roader with 912hp under the hood.
Even the tiny Bestune Pony, a budget-friendly front-wheel-drive car, found its way out after several attempts.
The Pony’s performance won cheers from the crowd and proved that size and price don’t always dictate winter capability.
Ultimately, the ice pit test revealed a surprising hierarchy.
Many Chinese EVs, both established and underdogs, outperformed Tesla in the raw maneuvering challenge.
Xiaomi, despite all its hype, found itself embarrassed, struggling to escape and requiring multiple rescues.
While Tesla ended up doing better than Xiaomi, the ice pit proved that China’s EV market is rapidly catching up.
In some cases, they are even leaving the competition scrambling on the ice.
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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.
