Chinese Electric Cars Beat the Competition in Low-Temperature Operations

One clear fact is that extremely cold temperatures can reduce the operating range of electric cars, a recent test in Norway has shown that the best-performing electric car in the winter is the Chinese model Human Horizons HiPhi Z. Not only is it the most optimized, with only a 5.9% reduction in range, but this Chinese model also outperforms all other competitors on the real-world test track.

Human Horizons HiPhi Z along with 23 other electric cars participated in a driving test conducted by the Norwegian Automobile Federation (NAF) and Motor magazine, taking place in late January, with temperatures ranging from -2 to -10 degrees Celsius.

While not having the longest WLTP-rated range in the group, this Chinese electric car has demonstrated excellent cold-weather performance by going the furthest on the evaluation. In the end, the HiPhi Z covered a distance of 522 km on a single charge. This means that the car’s range decreased to less than 6% in cold temperatures and made it the only electric car in the group to lose less than 10% of its rated WLTP driving range.

Other electric cars in the test showed varying degrees of range reduction in winter. For example, the BMW i5 decreased by 12.2% (505 km to 443.6 km), with similar results for the Kia EV9 and Lotus Eletre. On the other hand, the operating range of the Ford F-150 Lightning decreased by a significant 21.3% (429 km to 337.5 km).

Among the least performing models is the upgraded ‘Highland’ Model 3 by Tesla with a 29.9% reduction (629 km to 441 km), closely followed by Volvo’s C40 Recharge, which decreased by 30.9% (572 km to 395 km). The most significant decrease was seen in Toyota’s bZ4X with a 31.8% reduction (460 km to 313.5 km) and Volkswagen’s ID.7, which decreased by 31.9% (608 km to 414 km).

The Shanghai-based automotive manufacturer attributed the superior cold weather capabilities of the HiPhi Z to an “efficient thermal management system”. Developed internally, this system combines HVAC heat pumps with an intelligent E-Powertrain thermal management system to keep the battery within the optimal operating temperature for as long as possible.

According to test driver Simen Zimmermann, the HiPhi Z kept the battery warm while maintaining a comfortable cabin temperature, a crucial factor when driving through the frigid wilderness of Norway. Mark Stanton, co-founder and Chief Technical Officer of Human Horizons, said: “Continuous innovation and unique technology development are at the core of our company, and our team is not only proud of this recognition but also of the special comfort demonstrated by HiPhi Z.”

Human Horizons considers itself a premium electric car manufacturer and made its first breakthrough into the European market last year. The company operates HiPhi centers in Munich, Germany, and Oslo, Norway. In addition to the HiPhi Z, the company also produces the HiPhi X and HiPhi Y crossover models.

Sơn Phạm (forum.autodaily.vn)