Electric cars outperform traditional models in winter driving test

A new investigation from car buying and selling marketplace carwow shows that electric cars perform better in slippery wintry conditions, giving them another advantage in the current cold snap. The test – which pits an electric Audi RS e-tron GT against the petrol powered Audi RS3 and RS6 findings – is showcased in the latest video released on carwow’s YouTube channel and serves as a timely reminder of how important it is drivers check their cars’ tyres carefully, particularly in the current climate.

All three cars are equipped both with four-wheel drive and Pirelli P Zero winter tyres, which have a specially formulated tread design and rubber compound to improve grip in cold, poor-traction conditions.

Despite these equal footings, the electric e-tron GT proved itself markedly superior in carwow’s tough challenges, being able to put its power down more effectively, and beating the RS3 and RS6 in an uphill drag race as a result.

The e-tron GT was also able to move off from a standstill on a side slope at a steep gradient, a challenge that saw the two petrol-powered RS models spin their wheels without moving forward.

Two factors are likely to have played into the RS e-tron GT’s favour: first, weighing in at 2,345kg makes it around 300kg heavier than the RS6, and 800kg heavier than the RS3, with this extra mass giving greater downward force to the tyres, improving grip.

But the real deciding factor is likely to have been the way that four-wheel-drive electric cars can vary the amount of power sent to individual wheels: while the RS3 and RS6 both have differentials that can split the amount of power sent to the front and rear axles, the RS e-tron GT has two electric motors, one on each axle, with the ability to send 100% of the car’s power to an individual wheel, while also allowing for a more granular delivery of power, and a greater ability to transmit this power onto slippery surfaces.

Filmed at Tamworth SnowDome, Staffs, carwow’s challenges highlight the sophistication of electric cars equipped with four-wheel drive, while also shining a light on the efficacy of winter tyres in slippery conditions. In previous videos filmed by carwow at the SnowDome, cars with four-wheel drive and summer tyres were outclassed by two-wheel-drive cars on winter tyres.

carwow’s consumer editor, Hugo Griffiths, said: “There is a vitally important and often-overlooked point highlighted in our findings: a car’s tyres have greater bearing on how it performs than possibly any other individual aspect.

“Winter brings challenges that affect every aspect of driving, though, and a different, more cautious approach is advisable to reflect that during this cold and dark season.”

carwow’s top recommendations for winter driving

1. Invest in winter tyres: Those living in rural areas where muddy, leaf-strewn roads are a common sight could consider investing in a set of winter tyres, storing their summer set in a ‘tyre hotel’ before switching again come spring.
2. Check your tread depth: With tyres being the only thing keeping you and your car on the road, good tyre care is of crucial importance. Check the tread depth across the tyre is within the 1.6mm legal limit and ideally 3mm or more (it should come up at least to the border on a 20 pence coin), while looking for any cuts, nicks or perishing in the rubber.
3. Pressure matters: Be sure the tyres are inflated to the correct pressure and, if any need replacing, get a new axle set (IE both fronts or both rears) rather than buying a new individual tyre, choosing a reputable brand and buying the best tyre you can afford.
4. Top up fluids: Ensure all fluids in your car are at the correct levels, paying particular attention to antifreeze and screenwash, and ensuring you have some de-icer and a scraper.
5. Carry a breakdown kit: Packing things like a warm jacket, a spare pair of shoes, some protein snacks and a torch, plus a powerbank to charge your mobile phone. A shovel, and a larger powerbank that will restart a flat car battery are also worth considering.
6. Beware the impact of cold weather on performance: Petrol and diesel cars can burn more fuel in winter, while electric cars suffer reduced battery ranges in cold weather; plan accordingly.
7. Keep the lights working: Keep your headlights and rear lights clean, ensure all bulbs are working, and keep your lights on as soon as visibility starts to drop.#
8. Keep to busy roads: In icy conditions stick to main roads if possible as these are more likely to have been gritted, and avoid driving in snow if at all possible.
9. Watch your distance: Stopping distances are greatly increased on winter roads, so leave extra space between you and the lead vehicle, reduce your speed, and leave extra time for journeys.