Quick Takeaways
- Winter testing confirms EVs retain a sustainability edge despite measurable cold-weather efficiency losses.
- Accurate software reporting and realistic charging performance are critical to winter EV user trust.
On December 16, Green NCAP cold weather EV testing evaluated how electric and gasoline vehicles perform in winter conditions, highlighting the real-world impact of low temperatures on efficiency, range, and sustainability. The assessment covered the electric BYD Sealion 7 and CUPRA Born alongside gasoline-powered BMW 5 Series and BMW X2, offering a direct comparison across powertrains under identical cold-weather conditions.
Green NCAP cold weather EV testing: overall sustainability results
The results underline a clear sustainability advantage for electric vehicles despite winter-related efficiency losses. The BYD Sealion 7 secured a 4-star sustainability rating with a 73% score, while the CUPRA Born delivered an even stronger performance, earning 4.5 stars and an 86% score. In contrast, both gasoline BMW models achieved 2.5 stars, with sustainability scores remaining below 50%.
BYD Sealion 7 performance in cold conditions
The BYD Sealion 7 Comfort SUV, equipped with an 82.5 kWh battery, demonstrated relatively resilient winter behavior. Its mixed driving range declined from around 400 km in warm conditions to 337 km in cold weather, representing a moderate reduction of roughly 16%.
CUPRA Born winter efficiency and data accuracy
The CUPRA Born, powered by a 60 kWh battery, was more sensitive to cold temperatures. Its mixed driving range dropped from 328 km in warm conditions to 221 km during winter testing, marking a significant 33% reduction.
BMW gasoline models: predictable winter consumption
The BMW 520i and BMW X2 sDrive20i delivered stable and predictable fuel consumption results in winter operation. Both vehicles were rated “adequate” for efficiency and range consistency during cold-weather driving.
In mixed conditions, the BMW 5 Series saw fuel consumption rise from 6.8 l/100 km in warm weather to 8.1 l/100 km in winter. The BMW X2 followed a similar trend, increasing from 7.1 to 8.0 l/100 km. Both models also performed well in clean air performance, each achieving a Clean Air Index score of around 6.5 out of 10.
What Green NCAP cold weather EV testing means for buyers
The findings confirm that winter conditions impact all vehicle types, but the nature of the impact varies. Electric vehicles continue to lead on sustainability and emissions, while conventional vehicles offer more predictable energy use in cold climates. Accurate software-based energy reporting and realistic charging performance remain critical factors shaping user trust and real-world EV adoption as winter testing becomes increasingly relevant for buyers.
Green NCAP cold weather EV testing: overall sustainability results
The results underline a clear sustainability advantage for electric vehicles despite winter-related efficiency losses. The BYD Sealion 7 secured a 4-star sustainability rating with a 73% score, while the CUPRA Born delivered an even stronger performance, earning 4.5 stars and an 86% score. In contrast, both gasoline BMW models achieved 2.5 stars, with sustainability scores remaining below 50%.
BYD Sealion 7 performance in cold conditions
The BYD Sealion 7 Comfort SUV, equipped with an 82.5 kWh battery, demonstrated relatively resilient winter behavior. Its mixed driving range declined from around 400 km in warm conditions to 337 km in cold weather, representing a moderate reduction of roughly 16%.
- Effective cabin pre-heating and strong heat retention helped limit energy losses during operation.
CUPRA Born winter efficiency and data accuracy
The CUPRA Born, powered by a 60 kWh battery, was more sensitive to cold temperatures. Its mixed driving range dropped from 328 km in warm conditions to 221 km during winter testing, marking a significant 33% reduction.
- Despite the sharper range loss, the model stood out for the accuracy of its onboard energy consumption data.
BMW gasoline models: predictable winter consumption
The BMW 520i and BMW X2 sDrive20i delivered stable and predictable fuel consumption results in winter operation. Both vehicles were rated “adequate” for efficiency and range consistency during cold-weather driving.
In mixed conditions, the BMW 5 Series saw fuel consumption rise from 6.8 l/100 km in warm weather to 8.1 l/100 km in winter. The BMW X2 followed a similar trend, increasing from 7.1 to 8.0 l/100 km. Both models also performed well in clean air performance, each achieving a Clean Air Index score of around 6.5 out of 10.
What Green NCAP cold weather EV testing means for buyers
The findings confirm that winter conditions impact all vehicle types, but the nature of the impact varies. Electric vehicles continue to lead on sustainability and emissions, while conventional vehicles offer more predictable energy use in cold climates. Accurate software-based energy reporting and realistic charging performance remain critical factors shaping user trust and real-world EV adoption as winter testing becomes increasingly relevant for buyers.
Green NCAP press release
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