Electric vehicles in winter: the 8 best EVs for winter driving

Electric vehicles in winter: the 8 best EVs for winter driving

All drivers have challenges during the cold Canadian winters. Most Canadians’ main concern during the winter is winter driving, especially when driving electric vehicles. EVs for winter driving consume more energy and have a shorter electric range in cold weather, but the most recent generation of electric vehicles is designed to withstand the harsh Canadian winters.

So what are the best EVs for winter driving? With the automotive market offering more and more electric vehicles, buyers have more options for the ideal electric vehicle for winter driving. If you’re searching for an EV to get you from point A to point B in snow, sleet, and freezing conditions, here are the top all-electric vehicles that can handle severe winter road conditions for winter driving. 

Tesla Model Y

The Tesla Model Y is a crossover version of the successful Model 3. It successfully applied Tesla’s cutting-edge design to the popular crossover SUV segment. This well-balanced, tech-savvy all-electric crossover also comes standard with AWD, making it a must-have EV for winter driving. It has strong acceleration and agile handling, although its suspension system is a little stiff.

The Tesla Model Y Long Range starts at $79,480; it is somewhat more expensive than its sedan sister, the Model 3, so carefully consider whether you need the extra capacity. You may choose the least expensive long-range model to get the best Model Y for cold weather. 

Ford Mustang Mach-E SUV

When looking for a winter warrior, a Ford Mustang Mach-E may not be the first vehicle that comes to mind for winter driving. Despite sharing the Mustang name, the Mach-E is a four-door crossover with a luxurious interior and space for five people. It also has quick acceleration and agile handling and is available in a variety of dual-motor all-wheel-drive variants. Thanks to its twin motor traction control, traction on the snowy stuff are excellent, with little wheel spin. When decelerating down a snowy hill, the Mustang’s regenerative braking helps it dig in. However, even in the sportiest mode, rear-end slides are difficult to manage. 

Tesla Model 3

It’s difficult to discuss EVs without mentioning the Tesla Model 3. The Model 3 is the first mainstream electric vehicle, and it has a longer range than most EVs on the market today.

The base Model 3 delivers an EPA-rated all-electric range of 438 km, and the Long Range version delivers 576 km, according to Tesla. The Model 3 seats five people in two rows. Outstanding crash test ratings, rapid acceleration, and agile handling are among its many advantages. The Model 3 base model has a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive powertrain with a range of 432 kilometers. To have all-wheel drive, you must select the dual-motor Long Range variant, while the Model 3 Performance is the only AWD choice, with a range of 506 kilometers.

ID.4 Volkswagen

Aside from its totally electric motor, the Volkswagen ID.4 fits right in with today’s SUVs. The ID.4 offers a modern cabin, two rows of spacious seats, and a slew of safety and technology features. The ID.4 is comfortable, easy to drive, and capable of handling most daily tasks. It’s upscale and comfortable, but it’s not as eye-catching or modern as some of its competitors. Similarly, the ID.4 isn’t as athletic or entertaining as rivals from Tesla or Ford, but that could be a benefit in cold weather.

The Jaguar I-Pace

One of the best EVs for winter driving, Jaguar’s superb I-Pace SUV, like the Audi E-Tron, has a dual-motor, all-wheel drive system. For winter driving, the adjustable suspension can provide 7.8 inches of clearance. The two motors provide 394 horsepower and 512 pound-feet of torque, allowing the vehicle to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Its 90 kWh battery pack has a range of 376 kilometers and charges quickly owing to a new 11 kW onboard charger. Over-the-air upgrades are available for Jaguar’s Pivi Pro infotainment system, and new driver aid technology includes a 3D surround camera system.

BMW i4

The 2022 BMW i4 is an excellent winter-weather EV. The i4 uses a single electric motor at the rear axle to deliver 335 horsepower and up to 482 kilometers of range in its base configuration. The AWD M50 variant has 536 horsepower and can reach 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. 

This BMW is well-built on the inside, but it isn’t as modern as rival EVs. It has five seats, although the second row and trunk are somewhat small. A good set of safety features is standard, as are wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the all-new 2023 BMW i4 lacks the cabin quality, seating, and baggage room offered in many electric competitors. It does have a powerful all-wheel-drive motor, compelling handling, and a decent electric driving range.

Hyundai Ioniq 5

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has quick acceleration, a large electric range, desirable driving dynamics, and one of the industry’s longest warranties. As one of the ideal EVs for winter driving, it also offers a contemporary cabin with ample cargo space and seating for up to five people in two rows. The standard Hyundai Ioniq 5 has rear-wheel drive and either 168 or 225 horsepower, depending on the battery pack you select, with an EPA-estimated range of 432 kilometers. You can purchase an Ioniq 5 with even greater range, but you’ll have to settle for the single-motor rear-wheel-drive model, which won’t be ideal in the snow.

Kia EV6

The Kia EV6 shares a platform with the Hyundai Ioniq 5, as well as powertrains; therefore, its range and horsepower figures are comparable. The EV6 has sportier looks and more athletic handling than the Ioniq 5, but it is undoubtedly more practical. The standard EV6 sports a 167-horsepower rear-wheel-drive system. Dual-motor all-wheel-drive variants produce 320 horsepower and have an EPA-estimated range of 440 kilometers. The base-model Kia EV6 is amazing, but for cold-weather cruising, you’ll want to upgrade to the dual-motor AWD model. At $61,995, the dual-motor compact crossover has 320 hp and 440 kilometers of range, allowing you to go almost anywhere in any weather.

Although cargo room is limited, this Kia SUV features a quality interior and two rows of comfortable seats. The Kia EV6 features a quality interior and two rows of comfortable seats. The EV6 charges faster than most competitors, which might be very useful in the cold. Kia also has one of the best factory warranties available. The EV6 is also an outstanding electric car for winter travel, thanks to one of the fastest charging systems on the market.

What are the best EVs for winter driving?

All of the options listed above are suitable for driving in cold weather, but any EV with all-wheel drive and a competent traction control system can be a terrific EV for winter driving.

Looking for the best EVs for winter driving? As always, Carnex can provide you with detailed information about buying and owning electric vehicles in Canada.

Carnex is the top online EV expert in Canada for buying and selling used EVs. Visit Carnax today and discover the best deals on EVs.

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