The gap between the advertised range and the real-world driving range of new energy vehicles (NEVs) in winter stems from several key factors: cold temperatures, elevated vehicle energy use, and discrepancies between testing conditions and everyday driving scenarios. In frigid weather, the chemical reactions within the battery slow down, reducing the efficiency of both charging and discharging processes and, consequently, the amount of usable power. Meanwhile, to keep the cabin warm, the air conditioning heater draws significant electrical energy, further cutting into the vehicle's range. Additionally, icy or snowy roads increase tire friction, which also boosts energy consumption. Current range testing standards (like CLTC) are typically carried out in controlled laboratory settings and do not fully replicate the complexities of real-world driving, such as extreme temperatures or high-speed travel, thus creating a disparity between the stated range and what drivers actually experience. Looking ahead, advancements in battery technology—such as solid-state batteries—along with improvements in supercharging capabilities, thermal management systems, and intelligent energy recovery will markedly enhance the range and cold-weather performance of NEVs, potentially easing concerns about running out of power.
