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Here’s how 20 popular EVs fared in cold-weather testing in Norway

Electric vehicles are known to suffer diminished performance in cold weather, but some do a better job than others hanging onto their range capacity while cabin heaters and frigid outdoor temperatures sap power from their batteries. Recently, the Norwegian Automobile Federation put the 20 of the best-selling battery-electric vehicles in the country to the test, to see not only how winter weather affected their range but also their charging times. The major findings: On average, electric vehicles lost 18.5% of their official driving range as determined by the European WLTP cycle. Electric vehicles also charge more slowly in cold temperatures. And interestingly, the researchers learned that EVs don’t simply shut down when they lose power but instead deliver a series of warnings to the driver, with driving comfort and speed levels maintained until the very last few miles. Because itÂ’s Norway, the worldÂ’s top market for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles by market share, the test included many EVs that arenÂ’t available here in the U.S. But there are many familiar faces, among them the Nissan Leaf, Tesla Models S, 3 and X, Hyundai Kona (known here as the Kona Electric) and Ioniq, and Audi E-Tron. In terms of range, the top-performing EV was the Hyundai Kona, which lost only 9% of its official range, which the WTLP rated at 449 kilometers, or 279 miles, compared to its EPA-rated range of 258 miles on a full charge. It delivered 405 km, just enough to nudge it ahead of the Tesla Model 3, which returned 404 km. Other top performers included the Audi E-Tron, in both its 50 Quattro (13% lower range) and higher-powered 55 Quattro (14% lower) guises; the Hyundai Ioniq (10% lower); and Volkswagen e-Golf (11% lower). At 610 km (379 miles) the Tesla Model S has the longest WLTP range of all models tested and went the furthest, but still lost 23% of its range, though it also encountered energy-sapping heavy snow at the end of its test, when many cars had dropped out. The Model 3 lost 28% of its range. The worst performer? That goes to the Opel Ampera-e, better known stateside as the Chevrolet Bolt. It traveled 297 km (about 184 miles) in the test, which was nearly 30% lower than its stated WLTP range. We should also note that Opel, now owned by Groupe PSA, is phasing the car out in Europe and that Chevy recently upgraded the Bolt here in the U.S.

Eight Mercedes Fuso Canter E-Cell trucks now in service

Portugal is far better known for its scenery and seascapes (not to mention some of its alcoholic beverages) than its place as a vehicle-testing center. But the European country is serving just that purpose for Daimler's Mercedes-Benz division and a new line of trucks. And they are of the battery-electric variety. Daimler has sent eight of its Mercedes-Benz Fuso Canter E-Cell battery-electric trucks for customer-trial purposes to various parts of the Western European country. And these customers include the Portuguese cities of Lisbon, Porto and Abrantes as well as delivery company Transporta. These entities will be testing trucks that have about a 60-mile single-charge range and deliver 150 horsepower. The trials for the trucks, which have 14-foot beds, will last one year. Daimler hasn't released a whole lot of details on further development or sales possibilities of the model. The hybrid version of the Fuso Canter debuted in the fall of 2009 and was under the Mitsubishi badge at the time, even though it was 85-percent owned by Daimler. That model is said to boost fuel economy relative to conventionally-powered trucks by as much as 23 percent. Take a look at Daimler's press release on the Fuso Canter E-Cell and its Portugal testing below. Zero emission and quiet as a whisper: eight new Fuso Canter E-Cell in customer trials Eight Fuso Canter E-Cell in real-life testing with customers for a year Locally emission-free and virtually noiseless Powerful, high-torque electric motor Battery capacity ensures range of more than 100 km Highlight of anniversary year for the Canter assembly plant in Tramagal, Portugal The drive system to suit: Canter Euro VI, Canter Eco Hybrid and Canter E-Cell The cleanest technology, whatever the application: Fuso is a pioneer of "green" drive systems in the commercial vehicle sector. The Daimler subsidiary in Japan is the home of Daimler Trucks' centre of competence for hybrid technology, and with this experience behind it, Fuso has also been responsible for developing the new battery-electric-powered "Zero Emission" Canter E-Cell. The first all-electric light-duty truck, produced in a small series, runs emission-free and almost silently. The Canter E-Cell for Europe is manufactured at the Tramagal plant in Portugal. Eight vehicles have now been released for customer trials.

Mercedes G-Class 'Designo Manufaktur' even more upscale

Catering to customers who want the brand to provide more customization instead of having to confer with aftermarket tuners, Mercedes-Benz has added a new design book of options to the G-Class called Designo Manufaktur. Developed to offer a range of personalizing choice, a studio in Graz, Austria where the G-Class is built adds exclusive colors and hand-finished touches for buyers, some of them reserved only for the AMG models. New exterior colors include a roof that can be drenched in obsidian black and sheetmetal dressed in non-metallic fire opal, metallic designo mauritius blue metallic, and matte hues like designo yellow olive magno. The wheel selection has grown, with alloys available in black, and the spare wheel cover - normally in a polished finish - can be painted body color. The side strips can be all black instead of black and chrome, or carbon fiber-look for AMG models. Throw the Night package on top of all that and you get more black touches in places like the mirror housings and dark-tint windows. The interior options add saddle brown, deep-sea blue, silk beige, and mocha brown to the collection of swatches, with coordinating topstitching. AMG models can be decked out in red, with red seat belts, and Dinamica microfiber accents. The press release below tells the whole story. Even more individuality ex factory: "designo manufaktur" for the G-ClassStuttgart, Dec 04, 2015 - The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has been writing an incomparable success story since 1979. "designo manufaktur" is now making the classic cross-country vehicle even more individual ex factory. Customers can now tailor the off-road icon to their personal style.The name says it all: "designo manufaktur" captures customers' imagination with individual equipment and appointments features, traditional craftsmanship and the highest quality. The new individualisation programme fulfils the wishes of numerous G-Class customers for their own personal, tailor-made cross-country vehicle. "designo manufaktur" offers exclusive, unique colour and material compositions inside and out. With a host of combination options, the off-roader develops its very special character and unmistakable style.The Manufaktur hand-finishing section, which turns a G-Class into a unique "G", is located in Graz. Be it exterior or interior, topstitching or model badge, virtually every detail is lovingly crafted by hand.