The range king Tesla Model 3 was beaten in the world's largest test of electric cars by the Chinese Polestar 3, which almost lived up to the promised WLTP.
The Polestar 3 surpassed the Tesla Model 3 in range in a renowned international test of electric cars. The test, conducted by Motor and the Norwegian answer to FDM, NAF, compares the range of different electric cars twice a year. Namely in summer and winter conditions.
This time it was the turn of the winter test. However, not all car brands wanted to participate. The Norwegians, for example, cannot understand Renault's 'apology'. Read more about it here .
In the test, the Polestar 3 covered 531 kilometers before it had to give up. That's 'only' a little more than 5 percent of the promised range of 560 kilometers.
While the Tesla Model 3 managed to drive 529 kilometers. Although the Model 3 has a WLTP range of 702 km, the test showed that the American electric car could not be included this time. In fact, the Tesla deviates by a full 24 percent from the official range.
This is what Motor writes.
Tesla's range deviated by almost 25 percent from the WLTP figures, while the Polestar 3 deviated by only 5.18 percent. This places the Polestar 3 in second place in the test, surpassed only by the BMW iX3, which in 2021 had a deviation of 4.0 percent.
The test, which has now been shortened for the 12th time, and for the sixth time in winter, aims to provide a more realistic picture of the range of electric cars under different conditions.
The weather during the test was mild, but conditions were still challenging due to slippery roads. The stretch between Lunner and Gjovik was particularly slippery, while the road north of Lillehammer was wet and salted.
The temperature was higher in Folldal, around five degrees Celsius, but the roads were still very slippery.
The test shows that the range of electric cars can vary significantly depending on weather conditions and traffic patterns.
It is therefore important to take these factors into account when planning longer trips in your electric car.
The results from the test can give consumers a more accurate picture of what they can expect from different electric cars in practice.
In addition to the cars' range, the test also revealed a number of weaknesses. Among other things, the Volkswagen ID.-based Ford Explorer started leaking water. The importer says this is due to a poorly installed windshield.
