Polestar 3 Tops El Prix 2025: Best EV Winter Range in Independent Test

Polestar 3 outperforms 23 other EVs in the El Prix 2025 winter range test, covering 531 km with minimal WLTP deviation. See how it compared to Tesla and BYD in real winter conditions.

The Swedish electric SUV Polestar 3 has emerged as the top performer in El Prix 2025, the largest independent winter range test for EVs, conducted by the Norwegian Automobile Federation (NAF) and Motor magazine. The vehicle covered 531 km in temperatures ranging from 0 to -10°C, deviating just 5% from its official WLTP range (561 km)—the smallest discrepancy among 24 tested models. This outstanding result secured Polestar 3 the number one spot in the ranking.

By comparison, the Tesla Model 3, with a 702 km WLTP range, managed to drive only 521 km, reflecting a 24% drop in real-world conditions. Meanwhile, the Chinese BYD Tang performed impressively, with just an 11% deviation from its official rating.

The El Prix winter test is known for its rigorous methodology, exposing EVs to real-world challenges, including icy roads, fluctuating weather, and significant cold-induced battery efficiency losses. Many electric vehicles struggle in such conditions, but Polestar 3 proved its resilience, thanks to its advanced engineering and cold-weather optimizations.

According to Polestar CEO Michael Lohscheller, the result was no surprise:

“We design our vehicles in Scandinavian conditions, close to the Arctic Circle, so adapting to winter climates is one of our strengths. Polestar 3 proves to be a reliable choice for drivers who prioritize range and comfort in all weather conditions.”

The model's strong winter performance is attributed to its all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, enhancing traction on snowy roads, and its "Snow" mode, which fine-tunes throttle response for improved control. Additionally, comfort features such as heated seats and a heated steering wheel contributed to its cold-weather suitability.

Polestar 3’s El Prix 2025 victory is more than just a marketing achievement—it’s real-world proof of its efficiency under extreme conditions. These results offer valuable insights for potential EV buyers, highlighting which models truly deliver in winter environments and which fall short of their advertised claims.