Chinese EV Slays Tesla, Toyota & VW in Harsh Winter Test

It is widely understood that the driving range of electric vehicles can be impacted by lower temperatures. But a test conducted recently in Norway found that China’s Human Horizons HiPhi Z was the winter efficiency champion. Not only did it reduce losses from winter weather range to a mere 5.9%, but it also surpassed all rivals in terms of real winter range.

The Norwegian Automobile Federation (NAF) and the regional auto publication Motor Magazine convened a group of twenty-three electric cars, including the Human Horizons HiPhi Z, for a comprehensive driving test. Temperatures fluctuated between a chilly -2 to -10 degrees Celsius (28.4 to 14 degrees Fahrenheit) during this challenging winter range assessment at the end of January.

During the assessment, the Chinese EV traveled the farthest of all due to its extreme cold resistance. Ultimately, the HiPhi Z completed the test with a 522 km range on a single charge. It was the only EV in the group to lose less than 10% of its WLTP-rated driving capabilities, meaning that its range decreased by less than 6% in cold weather.

Related: 9 Chinese Cars Scored 5 Stars in Euro NCAP Tests in 2023

The other EVs in the test exhibited varying degrees of winter range reduction. For instance, the BMW i5 experienced a 12.2% decrease, declining from 505 km to 443.6 km, with similar results for the Kia EV9 and Lotus Eletre. In contrast, the Ford F-150 Lightning’s range witnessed a more substantial drop of 21.3%, plummeting from 429 km to 337.5 km.

HiPhi Z during cold weather tests in Norway

The worst performers were Toyota’s bZ4X which experienced a substantial 31.8% range reduction from 460 km to 313.5 km, and Volkswagen’s ID.7, which faced a near identical 31.9% decrease in range from 608 km to 414 km. Other weak performers were Tesla Model 3 Highland with a 29.9% reduction from 629 km down to 441 km, and the Polestar 2 Long Range with a 30% decrease from 614 km to 430 km, followed closely by Volvo C40 Recharge, which saw a 30.9% reduction from 572 km to 395 km.

The Shanghai-based automaker attributes the HiPhi Z’s exceptional ability to withstand cold weather to its “Efficient Thermal Management System.” The solution was designed in-house and combines an advanced E-Powertrain thermal management system with a heat pump HVAC to extend the battery’s ideal operating window.

Test driver Simen Zimmermann claims that the HiPhi Z was able to maintain a pleasant cabin temperature in addition to keeping the battery warm—two crucial features on cold excursions in the Norwegian wilderness. According to Mark Stanton, co-founder and chief technical officer at Human Horizons:

“Tireless innovation and unique technology development are at the heart of our company, and our team is not only proud of this recognition but also the exceptional comfort the HiPhi Z demonstrated.”

As a manufacturer of high-end electric cars, Human Horizons launched into the European market for the first time last year. It runs HiPhi Hubs in Oslo, Norway, and Munich, Germany. In addition to the HiPhi Z, it also manufactures the HiPhi X and HiPhi Y crossovers.

UsmanAnsari

A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com