Tesla Announces Success in Super Test for Winter Conditions

Tesla's latest electric vehicle, the Model S, has successfully completed a rigorous series of tests in Arctic and below-freezing temperatures, addressing three primary concerns for electric vehicles: range, charging time, and energy consumption.

In addition to its impressive performance, Tesla evaluated its model from five aspects - comfortability, reliability, design and quality, technology level, as well as durability. The latest result was shown in the analysis report of the Tesla Model S' winter-performance test.

Testing Conditions

• Temperature range: Arctic and below-freezing conditions.
• Location: Specific highways in China (e.g. Beijing-Shanghai and Chongqing-Donghan Highway).
• Car configuration/Tsing: The official model to be tested, 2024 Super Long-range Ultra Edition version

Results

Extreme Cold Test

Testing of battery range began near Shenyang at -5°C and continued eastwards to Harbin for about 70 kilometers, while still maintaining constant speed. Total test driving distance reached 1.3 * 60 = 78 kilometers. At the middle point (about 40 km), the temperature dropped to -16-0°C. Temperature remained low throughout the entire trip. At every check point after every half hour drive on certain sections of highway, temperature measurement were performed: in order from left front wheel up to tail end: +20°C at right rear wheel -27.9°C at left front wheel +17.4°C at center axle. Battery energy consumption and range tests were also conducted and the car showed exceptional performance.

Electric Charging Power Test

We filled the battery with fuel after completion, drove 2,200 km under city conditions (urban roads), refueled for 9.8L/100 km, and found that it took from 16 to 58 minutes to reach 24% charge: -15 seconds at maximum power -30 seconds when full speed reduced For every other charge level starting with lower SOC levels:

• Power decreased (about 22 kW reduction within about half an hour)
• Power dropped more sharply as battery went from full charged. We also analyzed the effect of temperature fluctuations on our results.

Low Temperature Performance

The battery's range performance in extremely low temperatures reached a remarkable 171.8 km at average cruising speed, significantly surpassing the industry benchmark.

In short, Tesla has successfully demonstrated that its car handles extreme cold temperatures with ease.

Comfort Test

• A study by Chinese automotive testing organization discovered the car used in tests provided superior comfort compared to similar top-ranked brands tested.
• The air conditioning units also worked effectively and proved their worth even in freezing climates.