Nissan Ariya Shines In Extreme Weather: A Cold-Weather Champion For EV Drivers
From -40°F Testing To Polar Expeditions, The Nissan Ariya Redefines EV Performance In Harsh Climates
In an era where electric vehicle (EV) performance in extreme weather has become a crucial concern for potential buyers, Nissan has unveiled detailed insights into its comprehensive cold-weather testing program for the Ariya electric SUV, showcasing the vehicle’s resilience in even the most challenging conditions.
Advanced Climate Testing Facility
In detail, this testing regime is a sophisticated new chamber at the Nissan Technical Center North America near Detroit, where engineers can subject vehicles to temperatures ranging from a frigid -40 degrees Fahrenheit to a scorching 176 degrees Fahrenheit. These controlled conditions allow Nissan to push the Ariya well beyond the temperatures most drivers will ever encounter, ensuring consistent performance across all weather scenarios.
The testing program has yielded particularly remarkable results in cold weather performance, a traditional challenge for electric vehicles. During a notable “cold soak” test, an Ariya with just 17% battery charge was left unplugged for 24 hours in -4°F conditions without using its battery heater. The model maintained its charge level and started immediately the next day, demonstrating great cold-weather resilience.
This performance is not merely a laboratory achievement. The Ariya has already proven its capabilities in real-world conditions, becoming the first vehicle – electric or gas-powered – to complete a journey from the North to South Pole in 2023. This historic accomplishment adds practical validation to Nissan’s laboratory testing results.
Designed for Winter: Features That Deliver
The 2025 Ariya, which starts at $39,770, combines this cold-weather capability with practical features designed for winter driving. The vehicle employs a sophisticated thermal management system, including a liquid cooling system for hot weather and a dedicated battery heater for cold conditions. The available e-4ORCE All-Wheel Drive system, capable of delivering up to 389 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque, provides additional confidence in challenging conditions.
Jeff Tessmer, senior manager of Zero Emission Vehicles at Nissan’s tech center, explains the philosophy behind their testing approach stating, “We want to test the worst-case scenario so that our customers will still get the same performance in a wide variety of weather conditions.”
Performance Meets Market Success
The Ariya’s cold-weather performance is further enhanced by intelligent features accessible through the MyNISSAN app. Owners can remotely monitor interior temperatures, schedule charging times, and pre-warm the cabin – ideally while the vehicle is plugged in to preserve battery charge for driving. This strategic approach to energy management helps maximize range during winter months, when electric vehicles typically experience reduced efficiency.
The vehicle’s market performance suggests these capabilities are resonating with buyers. After selling 13,400 units in its first year in the United States (U.S.) market, Nissan delivered nearly 20,000 Ariyas in 2024. The 2025 model builds on this success by offering two battery options – 66 kWh and 91 kWh – providing ranges of up to 289 miles for front-wheel-drive models and 272 miles for all-wheel-drive variants.
Ansu Jammeh, an engineer on Nissan’s Zero Emissions Engineering team, emphasizes the vehicle’s everyday usability stating, “Customers can get in their vehicles and expect the same performance every time. Your car is ready for you every day without any drama, wherever you live.”
Confidence in Any Condition
As a result, this reliability in combination with features like wireless charging, dual 12.3-inch displays, and Nissan’s ProPilot Assist technology, positions the Ariya as a practical choice for drivers seeking an electric SUV capable of handling extreme weather conditions with confidence.
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