I live in Alaska and recently purchased a Tesla Model Y long range AWD. I was a bit apprehensive on how the car would handle our typically icy and snow covered roads for at least 6 months out of the year. I was pleasantly surprised as this car performs extremely well. As was mentioned in the video, in situations an AWD or even a 4WD vehicle would experience spinning tires the Tesla's traction control features nearly eliminated this situation. Pretty incredible. The pre-warming features of the vehicle are a nice bonus. Bottom line, this vehicle performs extremely well in winter conditions.
I filmed my Tesla in the winter several times and agree with all you said. I put a lift on mine because it got high centered when there was a lot of snow. The combo of winter tires and the lift works. Warming up the car without idling a long time is one of the biggest pros.
@@iowatesla i still get 23 mpg in the city and 31 highway summer or winter in my 2014 honda crv lx with 474 miles of highway range. my seats are cloth i dont need seat heaters and ive never had a steering wheel be so cold like omg i wish i had a heater lol and the hell if id ever charge an ev in my garage just for that shit to catch fire bad idea even if it never happens better safe than sorry.
I regularly drive a 175 mile route across the mountains from western to eastern Oregon and back. Even in winter its a nonnstop trip with no charges needed unless i want to stop. Last trip it was 15 degrees when I started but by using preheat in the garage my battery was nicely warmed up. My records show I only use about 15% more for this 175 mile trip in the winter. With good studlesss snow tires the car is just a dream to drive over the snowy mountains. (2023 Model Y AWD long range)
Just purchased a Model Y after owning 5 Subarus (Foresters XT and WRX) in the last 10 years. I still think the Subarus are better winter cars. Tires are the things you should not skimp on in my opinion. As you said Tesla's are heavy and that's not a good thing in an emergency braking scenario. I got studded tires on mine and I don't regret it.
We have a M3LR and a MYLR both dual motor with Michelin all-season tires and they perform great in Chicago winters too. Traction conntrol is outstanding and we stop so much faster than other folks on the road that being rear-ended is way more of a concern than skidding into something/someone. (two very minor bumper scratches from exactly that in the last few years) We've noticed about a 20% range loss in really cold temps, but we also keep both cars in an insulated attached garage that normally is about 20-30 degrees warmer than outside temps in the winter. As you said, preconditioning schedules really do help as well. About my only complaint about these cars is the windshield wiper sensors are crap, it's either going like crazy when there's very little precipitation, or not enough when it's really coming down. The software patch to add that to the scroll wheel control helps, but I still wish they'd fix that.
Our Model Y LR AWD is a beast on ski trips using just all-season tires. We don't need winter tires except for the ski trips, so no, no winter tires desired or needed.
This will be my 3rd winter with my MYLR and I love my Tesla! 117K Km (73K miles) including 7 long trips (Toronto - Orlando) and this is the best car I've ever owned.
The inefficiency of ICE cars is a benefit in the winter, after they heat up the excess heat can be used to heat the cabin for pretty much no extra energy, and they don’t really suffer from worse range because once they are hot that’s them running as good as summer, maybe a little better due to the dense air, and given the large range no one notices the slight reduction in range. EVs suffer a lot more but you can work around it with preconditioning.
I lived in Montreal Canada for decades. I know how long it takes for an ICE car to warm up on freezing winter nights on the way home from a late night show. ICE cars remain ICE cold during short commutes. Range in city is not only a non issue as daily home charring of EVs provide energy for full day use. Many don't refuel ICE cars until at times they are unsure about making it to the next gas station. I know what it is like sliding down icy hills with a rear wheel drive ICE car - yes with winter tires. For a long time now I live in southern California. I sure wish I had my Tesla Plaid in Montreal when I lived there.
1st Minnesota winter with my 24MY. Scheduled Pre Condition Mon-Fri car is toasty and only a minimal loss of regenerative braking. That loss of regenerative braking is something I think you should have covered. Unless I missed it.
Always enjoy and learn from your vids! You mention Referral codes. I just noticed that Tesla is requiring you fill out an IRS form so you pay taxes on the redemption of your referral points used. Did you know that?
Would have been nice that the lamps would be warmed as well as atleast in Sweden we need to clean them before driving for obvious reasons. But better all windows and roof or nothing.
I disagree. I've lived in winter all my life and never wanted dedicated winter tires. Perhaps it's just that's how I was brought up in this area. Thanks for watching!
Yeah I was like wtf, good all season tires? There is no such thing, real winter tires will always be better in snow/ice. And having a heavy car is not really a good thing when you actually have to stop quickly.
Great video Jim! I have the same tires you have and I cant wait to test them in the winter. I might go up to Yosemite this weekend so lets hope for some bad weather lol
Another great video. I am sharing it with relatives who are new to EV's and are concerned about winter driving. Did you specifically mention what all season tires you were using? I have Michelin CrossClimate2's on another vehicle, but have not yet tried them on my model Y. I have heard that they are a bit narrow, and may not provide much protection for the rims, with regards to "curb rash". Any thoughts? Thanks again.
Had my model y long range (awd) since november and winter has started in southern Ontario. been careful not to regen too hard, but based on what you said maybe I’m being too cautious. Tires are Hakkapelliita R5 EV snow tires. Still learning the car and its characteristics.
I just picked up a 2025 M3 rwd 2 weeks ago and my first drive in it was during a lake effect snow squall so as soon as I got to a spot with no cars around me I let it try max regen and it would give the briefest impression of starting to lock up the rear wheels, and then it would ease off on its own very quickly like regular antilock brakes. Well better than antilock brakes because it seemed to react much much faster and more precise. Get your car in an empty parking lot next time you have a good snowstorm and just bring it up to 30 or 40 mile an hour and let off the pedal so you can see what it will do in a safe environment
I remember that until about 2022/22 in the Model 3, it had strong regen for snowy conditions, so it sometimes slipped a bit on the road for a second and activated traction control when you took your foot off the throttle. Then about two or three years ago they improved it and added an automatic snow mode that kicks in when it detects snow or slippery conditions and improves traction and reduces the regen breaking. Since then, I barely ever felt slipping with my Model 3's regen breaking in snowy conditions, even on mountain roads. Bjørn Nyland has made some good videos about this if you're interested. If you feel comfortable doing so, you can take your foot off the accelerator on a safe and empty stretch of road and let the car slow down with full regenerative braking in snowy conditions to see how it behaves. I've also been through driving safety training, including aquaplaning with the Model 3, and never managed to get the car out of control. Teslas are simply amazing in winter and snow.
Hey did he get injuried recently? He only moving one arm in this video. If he got injured hope you heal soon. Keep making amazing videos and happy holidays my guy.
33% range loss seems high for a Tesla in winter: many EVs like the Bolt have a resistive heater (like a space heater), which takes about 25% off your range in the cold, but all Teslas have come with heat pumps since 2021, so they only lose around 8%. If you factor in winter tires you're probably closer to that number, but that would be true for any vehicle.
You should have addressed the issue of charging when the battery is already low in very cold weather. This happened last winter to folks in Chicago and elsewhere. When the battery is very low in cold weather, it won't charge until the battery has been heated up to an appropriate temperature so that the charge can flow.
Incorrect. It will simply charge at a low rate while using the charger to heat the pack for faster charging in ten minutes or so. Careful not to believe clickbait titles.
Tbh outofspec tested this and their model 3 took 45mins to heat the battery before it took a charge, definitely precondition and in very cold weather and keep it above 20% so it can precondition in the first place.
Totally agree BUT those of us that live leeward of Lake Erie [BUFFALO :: Our natural disasters just melt away] should be fully aware any vehicle has the potential to be either an emergency survival shelter or a frozen tomb depending on preparedness or luck. But succumbing to CO poisoning will no longer be a problem...
@@izsakitt3711 I hadn't gone down that rabbit hole YET. Less than 50w per hour at 12v looks very much like the real deal for inclusion in a Great Lakes EV winter kit. Thanks for the comment!
ill never choose all season tires if I have any chance of having to drive in snow, they are simply nowhere near as good as a good winter tire :) But I am hoping to switch to an EV next year, just not a Tesla, and the preheating seems really nice to have :) really looking forward to that
Our Model Y LR AWD is a beast on ski trips using just all-season tires. We don't need winter tires except for the ski trips, so no, no winter tires desired or needed.
Hope you get 10s of thousand views. All true. Range anxiety is only applicable to a guy like my friend in Minneapolis who commutes on the weekends to Fargo and he drives up there going 90. 99% of the people don’t get themselves into these situation
I really enjoy your objective evaluations of Teslas! I noted earlier that your Tesla lost 15% of its charge capacity in 4 years. Tesla recommends 80% charge for max battery life, so this would also reduce range. Cold weather, just warm in your garage while plugged in, with remote ap. Sounds good, but there are examples of Teslas catching fire inside garages and lithium ion battery fires are hard to put out. Scotty Kilmer often lambasts Teslas for this reason. I’d like to see your opinion on Tesla fire hazards. Where I live in the Denver area, I often see 2 Cybertrucks going down out our street and many Model Y’s on the road. EV’s may become dominant in the future, but for now, I’ll pass on owning one.
Thanks for your feedback and many of your views have been debunked time and time again. Perhaps I'll address these points in a future video. Thanks for watching anyway and I'm glad we all have choices to get whatever vehicle is write for them.
@@kidamere2408 Good point! I’ve had a plastic gas can crack at the top seam, but I never store gas cans in my garage anymore. It’s really kind of comparing apples and oranges, as the saying goes. My comment is somewhat based upon news reports and what I read on Scotty Kilmer’s posts. I haven’t seen any studies on Tesla fires in garages. I got the range and battery life info from a post by the Iowa Tesla Guy.
I live in Alaska and recently purchased a Tesla Model Y long range AWD. I was a bit apprehensive on how the car would handle our typically icy and snow covered roads for at least 6 months out of the year. I was pleasantly surprised as this car performs extremely well. As was mentioned in the video, in situations an AWD or even a 4WD vehicle would experience spinning tires the Tesla's traction control features nearly eliminated this situation. Pretty incredible. The pre-warming features of the vehicle are a nice bonus. Bottom line, this vehicle performs extremely well in winter conditions.
I filmed my Tesla in the winter several times and agree with all you said. I put a lift on mine because it got high centered when there was a lot of snow. The combo of winter tires and the lift works. Warming up the car without idling a long time is one of the biggest pros.
Agreed. Thanks for watching!
@@iowatesla i still get 23 mpg in the city and 31 highway summer or winter in my 2014 honda crv lx with 474 miles of highway range. my seats are cloth i dont need seat heaters and ive never had a steering wheel be so cold like omg i wish i had a heater lol and the hell if id ever charge an ev in my garage just for that shit to catch fire bad idea even if it never happens better safe than sorry.
@@billybobbob3003 just wait till your car breaks down.
The best feature for those who have dual motors is Off-Road mode when driving in snow.
Good one. I have to admit that I don't use this much at all. Thanks for watching!
@@iowatesla Give it a shot next time you have a significant accumulation of snow - you'll be hooked.
I regularly drive a 175 mile route across the mountains from western to eastern Oregon and back. Even in winter its a nonnstop trip with no charges needed unless i want to stop. Last trip it was 15 degrees when I started but by using preheat in the garage my battery was nicely warmed up. My records show I only use about 15% more for this 175 mile trip in the winter. With good studlesss snow tires the car is just a dream to drive over the snowy mountains. (2023 Model Y AWD long range)
Road conditions do matter. I wanted to be conservative with my numbers. Thanks for watching!
Just FYI, when you showed the schedule menu, you blurred out your address on one screen in the app, but it's visible on the next one.
Just purchased a Model Y after owning 5 Subarus (Foresters XT and WRX) in the last 10 years. I still think the Subarus are better winter cars. Tires are the things you should not skimp on in my opinion. As you said Tesla's are heavy and that's not a good thing in an emergency braking scenario. I got studded tires on mine and I don't regret it.
Well yes, I think Subaru vehicles are better in the snow but the Model Y is quite good too.
We have a M3LR and a MYLR both dual motor with Michelin all-season tires and they perform great in Chicago winters too. Traction conntrol is outstanding and we stop so much faster than other folks on the road that being rear-ended is way more of a concern than skidding into something/someone. (two very minor bumper scratches from exactly that in the last few years) We've noticed about a 20% range loss in really cold temps, but we also keep both cars in an insulated attached garage that normally is about 20-30 degrees warmer than outside temps in the winter. As you said, preconditioning schedules really do help as well. About my only complaint about these cars is the windshield wiper sensors are crap, it's either going like crazy when there's very little precipitation, or not enough when it's really coming down. The software patch to add that to the scroll wheel control helps, but I still wish they'd fix that.
Our Model Y LR AWD is a beast on ski trips using just all-season tires. We don't need winter tires except for the ski trips, so no, no winter tires desired or needed.
Great points. I love to get into a warm car in the winter. Love controlling from the app. Cheers.
It's one of the best features. Thanks for watching!
This will be my 3rd winter with my MYLR and I love my Tesla! 117K Km (73K miles) including 7 long trips (Toronto - Orlando) and this is the best car I've ever owned.
You get it! Thanks for watching!
The inefficiency of ICE cars is a benefit in the winter, after they heat up the excess heat can be used to heat the cabin for pretty much no extra energy, and they don’t really suffer from worse range because once they are hot that’s them running as good as summer, maybe a little better due to the dense air, and given the large range no one notices the slight reduction in range. EVs suffer a lot more but you can work around it with preconditioning.
I lived in Montreal Canada for decades. I know how long it takes for an ICE car to warm up on freezing winter nights on the way home from a late night show. ICE cars remain ICE cold during short commutes. Range in city is not only a non issue as daily home charring of EVs provide energy for full day use. Many don't refuel ICE cars until at times they are unsure about making it to the next gas station. I know what it is like sliding down icy hills with a rear wheel drive ICE car - yes with winter tires. For a long time now I live in southern California. I sure wish I had my Tesla Plaid in Montreal when I lived there.
Great video, Jim! So many great things with Teslas in the winter.
100% Thanks for watching!
1st Minnesota winter with my 24MY. Scheduled Pre Condition Mon-Fri car is toasty and only a minimal loss of regenerative braking. That loss of regenerative braking is something I think you should have covered. Unless I missed it.
Awesome video and well done. 👏👏👏
Thanks Jon! Appreciate it.
Always enjoy and learn from your vids! You mention Referral codes. I just noticed that Tesla is requiring you fill out an IRS form so you pay taxes on the redemption of your referral points used. Did you know that?
my regen braking has never been less or off in snow, its always same and sometimes can cause sliding when you let of the accelerator too fast
Would have been nice that the lamps would be warmed as well as atleast in Sweden we need to clean them before driving for obvious reasons. But better all windows and roof or nothing.
Yes, both front and rear.
That would be a good feature. Thanks for watching!
is it particularly just the Tesla or any electric vehicle
Please never recommend all-season tyres for when there is actually snow or ice out, then it really needs to be winter tyres.
I disagree. I've lived in winter all my life and never wanted dedicated winter tires. Perhaps it's just that's how I was brought up in this area. Thanks for watching!
Yeah I was like wtf, good all season tires? There is no such thing, real winter tires will always be better in snow/ice. And having a heavy car is not really a good thing when you actually have to stop quickly.
great video, thanks
Great video Jim!
I have the same tires you have and I cant wait to test them in the winter. I might go up to Yosemite this weekend so lets hope for some bad weather lol
They are awesome! Thanks for watching!
Another great video. I am sharing it with relatives who are new to EV's and are concerned about winter driving. Did you specifically mention what all season tires you were using? I have Michelin CrossClimate2's on another vehicle, but have not yet tried them on my model Y. I have heard that they are a bit narrow, and may not provide much protection for the rims, with regards to "curb rash". Any thoughts? Thanks again.
OCD alert - we can see your light umbrella reflect in the Tesla portrait behind you. Great video though! 😁
I know. I've been fighting that. Can't seem to get rid of it. Might need to remove the picture. Thanks for watching!
I have a rwd ‘23 model 3 with brand new Michelin ice and snow tires. I don’t find the car that good on icy roads here in Michigan.
Had my model y long range (awd) since november and winter has started in southern Ontario. been careful not to regen too hard, but based on what you said maybe I’m being too cautious. Tires are Hakkapelliita R5 EV snow tires. Still learning the car and its characteristics.
I just picked up a 2025 M3 rwd 2 weeks ago and my first drive in it was during a lake effect snow squall so as soon as I got to a spot with no cars around me I let it try max regen and it would give the briefest impression of starting to lock up the rear wheels, and then it would ease off on its own very quickly like regular antilock brakes. Well better than antilock brakes because it seemed to react much much faster and more precise. Get your car in an empty parking lot next time you have a good snowstorm and just bring it up to 30 or 40 mile an hour and let off the pedal so you can see what it will do in a safe environment
I remember that until about 2022/22 in the Model 3, it had strong regen for snowy conditions, so it sometimes slipped a bit on the road for a second and activated traction control when you took your foot off the throttle. Then about two or three years ago they improved it and added an automatic snow mode that kicks in when it detects snow or slippery conditions and improves traction and reduces the regen breaking. Since then, I barely ever felt slipping with my Model 3's regen breaking in snowy conditions, even on mountain roads. Bjørn Nyland has made some good videos about this if you're interested.
If you feel comfortable doing so, you can take your foot off the accelerator on a safe and empty stretch of road and let the car slow down with full regenerative braking in snowy conditions to see how it behaves. I've also been through driving safety training, including aquaplaning with the Model 3, and never managed to get the car out of control. Teslas are simply amazing in winter and snow.
Hey did he get injuried recently? He only moving one arm in this video. If he got injured hope you heal soon. Keep making amazing videos and happy holidays my guy.
my rs7 is pretty good in this buffalo winter
best comment in this thread
33% range loss seems high for a Tesla in winter: many EVs like the Bolt have a resistive heater (like a space heater), which takes about 25% off your range in the cold, but all Teslas have come with heat pumps since 2021, so they only lose around 8%. If you factor in winter tires you're probably closer to that number, but that would be true for any vehicle.
Also batter warming which uses some
You should have addressed the issue of charging when the battery is already low in very cold weather. This happened last winter to folks in Chicago and elsewhere. When the battery is very low in cold weather, it won't charge until the battery has been heated up to an appropriate temperature so that the charge can flow.
Incorrect. It will simply charge at a low rate while using the charger to heat the pack for faster charging in ten minutes or so. Careful not to believe clickbait titles.
I mean, it's generally not a good idea to park an electric car at a low state of charge in very cold weather.
Tbh outofspec tested this and their model 3 took 45mins to heat the battery before it took a charge, definitely precondition and in very cold weather and keep it above 20% so it can precondition in the first place.
Totally agree BUT those of us that live leeward of Lake Erie [BUFFALO :: Our natural disasters just melt away] should be fully aware any vehicle has the potential to be either an emergency survival shelter or a frozen tomb depending on preparedness or luck. But succumbing to CO poisoning will no longer be a problem...
Yes, and the heated seats or an electric blanket may run for days from an EV battery, so will the cellphone or entertainment. Not so with ICE cars.
@@izsakitt3711 I hadn't gone down that rabbit hole YET. Less than 50w per hour at 12v looks very much like the real deal for inclusion in a Great Lakes EV winter kit. Thanks for the comment!
ill never choose all season tires if I have any chance of having to drive in snow, they are simply nowhere near as good as a good winter tire :)
But I am hoping to switch to an EV next year, just not a Tesla, and the preheating seems really nice to have :) really looking forward to that
Never owned a car with dedicated winter tires. That's just me. I love the Michelin CrossClimate2's.
Our Model Y LR AWD is a beast on ski trips using just all-season tires. We don't need winter tires except for the ski trips, so no, no winter tires desired or needed.
@@Wi2Low im sure they are fine for you, still would never use them in snow, simple as that.
Hope you get 10s of thousand views. All true. Range anxiety is only applicable to a guy like my friend in Minneapolis who commutes on the weekends to Fargo and he drives up there going 90. 99% of the people don’t get themselves into these situation
Agreed and thanks for watching!
Snow tyres
If you want. I don't think they are 100% necessary if you're comfortable with winter driving.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
“ because it’s electric you can SAFELY heat your car in your garage “ ……did you really say that ?
What is your issue with that statement?
I really enjoy your objective evaluations of Teslas! I noted earlier that your Tesla lost 15% of its charge capacity in 4 years. Tesla recommends 80% charge for max battery life, so this would also reduce range. Cold weather, just warm in your garage while plugged in, with remote ap. Sounds good, but there are examples of Teslas catching fire inside garages and lithium ion battery fires are hard to put out. Scotty Kilmer often lambasts Teslas for this reason. I’d like to see your opinion on Tesla fire hazards. Where I live in the Denver area, I often see 2 Cybertrucks going down out our street and many Model Y’s on the road. EV’s may become dominant in the future, but for now, I’ll pass on owning one.
Thanks for your feedback and many of your views have been debunked time and time again. Perhaps I'll address these points in a future video. Thanks for watching anyway and I'm glad we all have choices to get whatever vehicle is write for them.
theres also are much more examples of gas cars catching fires in garages, do you park one of those in your garage or ask they same question
@@kidamere2408 Good point! I’ve had a plastic gas can crack at the top seam, but I never store gas cans in my garage anymore. It’s really kind of comparing apples and oranges, as the saying goes. My comment is somewhat based upon news reports and what I read on Scotty Kilmer’s posts. I haven’t seen any studies on Tesla fires in garages. I got the range and battery life info from a post by the Iowa Tesla Guy.