The ultrasonic metal welding technology is widely promoted as a new connection approach in the field of current energy vehicle wiring harness connection. In the present investigation, low-temperature mechanical properties of slotted and normal terminals were studied. The EVR 25 mm2 copper wires are selected for welding using ultrasonic wire harness welding with two different structures of T2 copper terminals. Then, a more stable joint structure under the same welding parameters is investigated through tensile tests at − 30 °C and 25 °C. The results showed that the ST joint has higher static mechanical properties than the NT joint at 25 °C and the peak load of the joint is increased. In addition, the results investigated that the performance and welded interface texture of ST joints is reliable than NT joints under 25 °C, the maximum joint load is increased by 12.93% under − 30 °C, the joint energy absorption is increased by 87.58%, and ST joint stability is better and safer in actual production applications. At the same welding parameters, the ST joints have less neck contraction at 25 °C and the ligamentous sockets are smaller and densely welded surfaces. The failures of ST joints and NT joints are investigated under the same welding parameters. The energy loss during the ST joint welding process is smaller and the welding effect is better and advantageous. The SEM findings showed that the failure of the ST joint and the NT joint is different and the tensile strength of the ST joint is greater under the same low-temperature conditions. © International Institute of Welding 2024.