Methodology
How we estimate winter range
Every figure on FrostRange is a modeled estimate built on official range and public third-party research. This page explains exactly how we get from EPA range to a cold-weather number — and where the limits are.
The baseline
We start from the official FrostRange range figure at 20°C (EPA for the US/Canada market, WLTP where noted). That number comes from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov or the manufacturer's published figure for the specific trim we describe.
The loss bands
We apply a reference loss band based on the region's coldest temperature and the vehicle's cabin-heating type. Heat pumps lose less than resistive heaters because they move heat instead of generating it. These bands are derived from Recurrent's fleet data (~20% average loss in freezing conditions) and AAA's controlled tests.
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 0°C to -5°C (32°F to 23°F) | Heat pump 10–15% · Resistive 15–20% | Reference bands |
| -5°C to -10°C (23°F to 14°F) | Heat pump 15–20% · Resistive 20–30% | Reference bands |
| -10°C to -20°C (14°F to -4°F) | Heat pump 20–30% · Resistive 30–40% | Reference bands |
| Below -20°C (-4°F) | Heat pump 30–38% · Resistive 38–45% | Reference bands |
On each page we then apply the adjustments that matter in practice: preconditioning while plugged in (recovers ~5 points), heated seats instead of full cabin heat (recovers ~5–10 points), and adverse conditions (adds ~5 points).
Sources we rely on
Official range and efficiency figures at ~20°C (68°F). The baseline for every estimate on this site.
Fleet-based cold-weather data. Their research found EVs retain ~80% of range in freezing conditions on average, with wide variation by model.
Controlled cold-weather testing: at -7°C (20°F), roughly 12% range loss with HVAC off and up to ~41% with cabin heating on.
Real-world 70-mph highway range tests, including cold-weather runs, used to sanity-check model-specific behavior.
Norwegian winter range and charging tests — the reference for cold-climate, real-road performance.
The limits (read this)
- These are estimates, not guarantees. Real-world range varies with speed, terrain, wind, load, tire pressure, and battery age.
- Official ranges differ by trim, wheel size, and model year — always confirm your exact configuration.
- We do not test vehicles ourselves. Where a verified third-party figure exists we cite it; where it doesn't, we say 'not verified'.
Want to see how these estimates apply to your vehicle? Use the range calculator →