How does the RWD EV6 perform in ice and snow conditions?

I’m from the northeast US and really want to buy an EV6. I’m not interested in the AWD version because of the lower range. For those who have the RWD version, how does it handle in icy and snowy conditions? I’m aware I’ll need to go to a dealer out of state since the only ones available around here are AWD models.

It works fine with the right tires. Tires are far more important for winter driving than having AWD. I drove an EV6 RWD for two years in Colorado with all-weather tires and never had any issues. Never felt the need for AWD.

By the way, I currently have an EV9 RWD with all-weather Nokian tires. No problems so far.

@Linden
This^^ Tires are key. I’ve got the RWD version in Michigan, and it’s been fine. Just switch to snow mode and turn off Regen braking on the worst roads.

@Linden
All-weather tires are great. They’re much better than those so-called all-season ones.

One thing to note: they can stay on year-round if you’re in a place like the northeast. The only time to switch would be if you’re in a really hot climate, like Arizona or Southern California. I haven’t noticed any significant drop in range, and maybe even a slight improvement in efficiency.

@Hero
Do you leave the all-weather tires on all year? Have you noticed any significant decrease in range?

Micah said:
@Hero
Do you leave the all-weather tires on all year? Have you noticed any significant decrease in range?

Different tire shops here in Colorado say all-weather tires are fine for year-round use, unless you’re in a very hot area. Since you’re in the northeast, you should be fine. It’s worth asking your local shop for advice. Personally, I’ve seen no issues with range, and driving slower might actually help efficiency. I rarely drive above 45 mph in Denver anyway.

Micah said:
@Hero
Do you leave the all-weather tires on all year? Have you noticed any significant decrease in range?

I can’t speak with objective side-by-side testing, but I chose Nokian Outpost APTs because they’re advertised as low-rolling resistance tires. I haven’t noticed any decrease in efficiency during the warmer months.

Keep in mind, the AWD versions usually come with a heat pump, while the RWD models don’t. During the winter, the RWD version’s range might suffer more than you’d expect, even if you gain range from the RWD setup.

@Ashton
I’ve been thinking about that! The range for RWD and AWD is listed as 310 and 250 miles, respectively. Even if I had a 30% drop on the RWD, it would give around 217 miles, while the AWD would lose just 10%, giving me 225 miles. That seems close, but I know these are just rough numbers.

@Micah
I can confirm about 225 miles of range with a 90% charge on the AWD Wind model in the winter.

@Micah
I drive a Wind RWD in Central Texas. I’d suggest you consider the AWD version for the heat pump, heated steering wheel, and the extra torque (200 ft-lbs). I usually skip AWD in regular vehicles, but with EVs, especially considering the extra weight, I think AWD is a better option. The RWD version isn’t bad at all, but if you can afford it, AWD might be the way to go.

@Ashton
AWD models also get more power thanks to the two motors.

@Ashton
This only applies in the US. In the EU, the RWD versions do have a heat pump.

I have an AWD model here in the northeast. Range is key in winter, and any savings you might get from the RWD would likely be offset by the lack of a heat pump. RWD also misses the heated steering wheel.

Just so you know, the front motor is disengaged unless you’re accelerating hard, coming from a stop, in Sport mode with Cruise control off, or in Snow mode.

@Quinn
That’s interesting about when the front motor kicks in! I’m wondering why the EPA numbers for range are so different. Is it just the added weight?

Micah said:
@Quinn
That’s interesting about when the front motor kicks in! I’m wondering why the EPA numbers for range are so different. Is it just the added weight?

I’m not sure about the 2025 models, which have a bigger battery, but the 2024 models are rated at 310 miles for the AWD and 282 miles for the same wheels. The 252 miles you mentioned is only with the larger 20-inch wheels, which really hurt the range.

@Quinn
Good catch on the wheel size .

@Quinn
I have the RWD model with a heated steering wheel and heat pump. We must have different models in the US and Canada?

Charlie said:
@Quinn
I have the RWD model with a heated steering wheel and heat pump. We must have different models in the US and Canada?

I’d love to be wrong on this .

Charlie said:
@Quinn
I have the RWD model with a heated steering wheel and heat pump. We must have different models in the US and Canada?

Yes, the Canadian options are different. Most models in Canada include the heated steering wheel and battery heater.