Porsche’s Arctic Challenge: Testing EV Performance in Extreme Cold

Porsche tested its electric Macan 4 and Taycan Cross Turismo in a 1,500 km Arctic road trip to the world’s northernmost fast-charging station. See how they performed in extreme cold.

Porsche’s electric cars have set out to conquer the North. In an ambitious winter road trip, a team of eight journalists from various countries drove 1,500 kilometers through snow-covered Scandinavian roads to reach the world’s northernmost fast-charging station in Mehamn, Norway.

The route spanned Sweden, Finland, and Norway, featuring far-from-ideal conditions: snow, ice, and temperatures ranging from 0°C to -10°C. However, Porsche opted for a real-world test—no hypermiling, no speed restrictions, and with the cabin heating set to a comfortable level.

The fleet included two fully electric Macan 4 Electric models and two Taycan Cross Turismo cars. Despite lacking the studded tires popular in Scandinavia, they handled icy roads with confidence. Their real-world range impressed, with around 380 km per charge, and the onboard navigation system seamlessly planned optimal charging stops.

The first charge wasn’t required until Norway, at Kautokeino, followed by a stop at an IONITY station in Lakselv. The final stretch of the journey, along the narrow, winding, and icy FV888 road, proved to be the ultimate challenge, yet Porsche demonstrated that electric vehicles can remain both reliable and dynamic even under extreme conditions.

Arriving in Mehamn, the team plugged their cars into a Kople charging station against the backdrop of the rugged Barents Sea. Meanwhile, at the nearby Nordic Safari Hotel, a dinner featuring freshly caught king crab awaited the travelers. The next day, the group effortlessly retraced their journey—another 750 km, another 10 hours on the road, and just a few quick charging stops.

“We’ve proven time and time again that Porsche electric mobility is suited for long-distance travel. This time, we did it in the harsh Scandinavian winter,” said Mayk Wienkötter, Porsche’s spokesperson for the Panamera and Taycan. “Even at freezing temperatures, range remained strong, heating worked flawlessly, and charging was quick. A gasoline car wouldn’t have gotten us there any faster.”

This road trip wasn’t just a test of technology—it was a statement about the future of electric mobility. Even in remote, icy landscapes with limited infrastructure, EV journeys are becoming the new normal. And that means electric mobility is firmly securing its place in the world of high-speed, long-distance travel.

Source: porsche.com