Responding to concerns from drivers, the Canadian Automobile Association test-drove 14 electric vehicles to see how their range differed in the winter and how fast they charged up.
The vehicles chosen represented seven of the country's top ten electric vehicle brands. The models ranged from sport utility vehicles to pickup trucks on a test drive from Ottawa to Mont Tremblant in temperatures that ranged from -7 to -15 Celcius.
More than two-thirds of Canadians who participated in a recent poll told the CAA the drop in range during the winter is a top barrier to buying an electric vehicle. Among those who already own an EV, more than 65 per cent say they experience lower battery range in extreme cold.
The test showed winter cold has a significant impact on battery life, and some performed better than others. The top performers were the Chevrolet Silverado EV and the Polestar 2. Both drove just 14 per cent less than the posted range based on year-round numbers. Across the board, the vehicles drove 14 to 39 per cent less than the official range.
"The vast difference in results highlights the importance of truth in advertising when it comes to EV range and of comparing numbers if winter performance matters to you," said Vice President of Public Affairs at CAA National Ian Jack. "CAA would like to see a made-in-Canada standardized labelling system for EVs that includes winter driving performance rather than a single average."
CAA also tested charging speeds or how long it takes for the battery to charge in cold weather.
Four in ten EV drivers reported significantly slower charging times in extreme cold, and 53 per cent still prefer to take their gas vehicle on long trips when the temperature dips.
Connected to a DC fast-charger, the test measured how many kilometres of range was added after charging for 15 minutes.
Once again, the CAA found significant differences. On average, the vehicles added about 100 km range or 28 per cent of the battery charge.
The Tesla Model 3 was the fastest, adding 200 kilometres in 15 minutes.
The CAA does have tips for EV drivers to maximize performance in cold weather.
It suggests warming the cabin when it's still plugged in. Some electric vehicles allow the driver to precondition the car for a specific departure time, maximizing range and comfort. Removing excess snow and ice will reduce weight and aerodynamic drag. Using the heated seats consumes less energy than warming the cabin, conserving battery power. Parking in a garage or other sheltered area will keep the battery warmer.
The survey was conducted between October 3 and 22, with 16,041 electric vehicle drivers in all provinces. General population findings were based on a poll of 2,880 Canadians carried out between September 13 and 21. The sample size would yield a margin of error of +/-1.9 per cent.