As 2024 approaches, the landscape of the automotive industry is witnessing significant shiftsOn one hand, sales of new energy vehicles (NEVs) have surged, with their market share exceeding 50% for four consecutive monthsOn the other hand, consumers in the frigid northern regions are once again grappling with concerns about the performance of these vehicles in low-temperature conditions.

In extreme cold environments, such as those where temperatures can plummet below -15°C, many are left wondering if driving an electric vehicle becomes a risky endeavorAs such, the pressing question arises: have automakers enhanced their vehicles' capabilities in terms of range, driving performance, and comfort in harsh environments? This inquiry is increasingly relevant as consumers look for reliability in the face of winter's chill.

Unlike most manufacturers that typically conduct tests in controlled environments, Hongmeng Zhixing made a bold decision to immerse its vehicles into real-world usage scenarios

They invited participants to experience the wind-bitten roads of Changbai Mountain, a prime tourist destination during this period, allowing firsthand exploration of their vehicles' capabilities.

How does a vehicle perform on icy tracks?

In the Changbai Mountain region, average winter temperatures dip between -18.0°C and -6.0°C, often leaving roads precariously covered in ice and snowThis testing ground not only challenges the endurance of NEVs but also places significant demands on the vehicles' chassis tuning and calibration for driving safety due to the low friction available on icy surfaces.

The technology behind electric drive motors has reached a level of maturity, with capabilities to generate several hundred kilowatts of power with easeTherefore, the critical challenge that all NEV manufacturers face is effectively translating this power into traction without resulting in tire slippage or loss of control, a dilemma that must be navigated carefully.

For instance, consider the Wanjie M9 extended-range model, equipped with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system capable of peak power at 365kW and torque at an impressive 675N·m — numbers that dwarf those achievable by a typical gasoline-powered 3.0T turbo engine.

Driving through the Pan Mountain Road, known informally as the "Bayinbuluke of Changbai Mountain," presents a unique set of challenges: in just 10.2 kilometers, there are 72 twisting turns

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Although mechanical snow-clearing operations are in effect, the sheer difficulty of the drive is apparent when observing other vehicles handling the courseThis is not a straightforward stretch of road.

The Wanjie M9's advanced features shine through, utilizing Huawei's Tuling platform technology, especially suited for a winding road laden with challengesThis was an ideal opportunity to experience the dynamic adaptive torque system (DATS) and Huawei's XMOTION intelligent body coordination control system in action.

Even under these low-grip conditions, the DATS and XMOTION systems maintain an impressive level of vehicle controlSudden accelerations or decelerations during turns do not lead to conspicuous understeering or oversteeringThe stability systems preemptively engage before conditions worsen, promoting a sense of confidence and security for the driver.

Furthermore, thanks to torque vectoring control (TVC) and eager-slip control (eASC), the Wanjie M9 maintains agile steering responsiveness throughout the curves

Despite being over 5.2 meters long and sporting a wheelbase of more than 3.1 meters, the vehicle's control strategies provide remarkable stability, crucial when navigating emergencies on slippery surfaces.

For less experienced drivers, the XMOTION system significantly mitigates any tendency for lateral sliding on icy roads, reducing stress and the likelihood of missteps due to vehicle dynamics.

The impressive handling of Hongmeng Zhixing's models can be attributed to the deep integration of Huawei’s DriveONE motors into the vehicle designSensor technology in the motors allows for real-time adjustments to road conditions, decreasing system response delay to 4 milliseconds — a 100-fold improvement over traditional combustion engines.

When comparing the Wanjie M9 with competing luxury brands that rely on conventional rear-wheel-drive configurations, it becomes evident that there are unique advantages to the adaptive control technologies that showcase the underlying strength of Hongmeng Zhixing's capabilities.

As curious observers witnessed the performance of Huawei's ADS 3.0 advanced driving system, one could question whether its prowess remains unshaken in these wintery environments.

During practical tests, in scenarios demanding acute maneuvering over ice and snow — encompassing large curvature roads, sharp turns, and sudden stops from preceding vehicles — the performance of ADS 3.0 was commendable

It demonstrated an adept understanding of the complexities involved and adjusted vehicle speed accordingly without sacrificing safety or balance.

In summary, when compared to traditional fuel vehicles, Hongmeng Zhixing's NEVs exhibit superior handling and stability on icy roadsEven those with minimal experience driving in harsh winter conditions can manage these vehicles with confidence and ease.

Another critical concern for consumers, particularly in harsh northern climates, is whether these NEVs can maintain robust range capabilities amidst the challenges presented by freezing temperatures.

Within the three essential components of EVs — power, battery, and thermal management — the battery remains paramount in consumers’ purchasing decisionsThe issue of overstated range capacities often draws discontent among prospective buyersSo, how can reliable range be achieved?

One effective approach is maximizing battery capacity retention in cold environments

However, it can be likened to the daunting task of fitting an elephant into a refrigerator — while all NEV manufacturers recognize this necessity, few have successfully implemented a practical solution.

For instance, the Xiongjie S9 showcases a 100kWh Huawei 800V Megalodon battery, with an impressive CLTC combined range of up to 816 kilometers and a power consumption rate of just 13.2 kWh per 100 kilometersRemarkably, a mere 5 minutes of charging can add an additional 200 kilometers of rangeThanks to its patented energy management technology, the S9’s range retention in low temperatures remains at an impressive 65%.

Critically, the Huawei 800V Megalodon battery is a result of deep collaboration between Huawei and CATL, adhering to the industry's strictest safety and testing standardsIts design includes ultra-low resistance cells, resulting in a 9% improvement in capacity retention at 0°C compared to industry norms

Additionally, innovative electrolyte materials allow for longer ranges without sacrificing power capacity while boosting charging efficiency.

The reliability of the vehicle's range is also backed by an efficient thermal management systemHuawei's Thermal Management System (TMS) integrates energy, mechanical, and thermal regulation at a foundational level, ensuring not only passenger comfort but also a significant reduction in energy consumption—further alleviating concerns regarding range anxiety.

For vehicles like the Xiongjie S9, consistent range performance in winter conditions is bolstered by the standard HUAWEI DriveONE intelligent electric drive platformThis all-encompassing platform employs a top-tier combination of front asynchronous and rear permanent magnet synchronous motors operating at 800V, achieving leading industry efficiency rates of 92%, effectively delivering all-wheel power while maintaining two-wheel energy consumption levels.

Given that HVAC systems in EVs often account for significant energy consumption, the intelligent climate control system of the Xiongjie S9 employs contextual energy-saving strategies, potentially lowering operational energy use by up to 40%. During extreme low-temperature conditions such as those experienced in Changbai Mountain at -15°C, the advantages of using heat pump systems along with smart air-mixing systems are appreciable

They facilitate continuous fresh air without significantly increasing overall power consumption.

This coherent blend of technological infrastructures—from Huawei’s Megalodon battery platform to the DriveONE systems and TMS—along with lightweight, aerodynamic vehicle designs and intelligent control systems, have all propelled Hongmeng Zhixing's models to the forefront of efficiency in their class.

Experiencing the Xiongjie S9 and Wanjie M9 in sub-zero conditions illustrated that even without implementing aggressive energy-saving techniques, their range and energy efficacy remained impressiveSuch experiences reshape consumer notions regarding NEV range and recharging efficiencyWith ongoing advancements in technology, consumers who get a taste of Hongmeng Zhixing’s electric offerings will find their previous trepidations around range and charging dissipate drastically.

So what underpins these remarkable performances in frigid northeastern climates? The answer lies primarily in the comprehensive application of Huawei's self-developed technological achievements across Hongmeng Zhixing's lineup, allowing them to command an advantage on multiple fronts.

In an ever-competitive automotive field, merely trying to stand out based on product definition or securing breakthroughs in isolated areas is insufficient

Surviving the fierce competition amid the industry is a formidable challenge.

The sustained popularity of the Wanjie M9, priced above 500,000 yuan and reaching stable monthly sales of roughly 17,000 units, is a testament to the empowering influence of Huawei's robust technical framework.

This winter experience further clarifies why Hongmeng Zhixing is emerging as a leader in the new energy marketThe reliance on Huawei’s technology, which is both self-sufficient and formidable, has cultivated unmistakable confidence in the brand.

Huawei's technological achievements not only enhance the competitive edge of each individual vehicle but also extend robust support for the broader shift towards intelligent automotive solutions across the industry.

At its core, the user experience encapsulated by NEVs now exceeds the simplistic A to B function of transportation