Electric cars in winter: how cold affects EV range and charging
We break down the main effects of cold weather on electric cars and offer tips on how to maximise range even in freezing winter conditions
One of the many myths we still hear is that ‘electric cars don’t work in winter’.
Given that Norway (famously for being a tad chilly) is Europe’s biggest EV market, that’s clearly untrue but the cold weather can have an impact on EVs.
So it’s important for owners to understand that impact, what it means for driving in winter and how to reduce it.
How does cold weather affect electric cars?
The single biggest impact of cold weather on electric cars is reducing their range. The lithium-ion batteries in most EVs work best in the 15-35-degree range. Below that the chemical process which releases electricity from the battery slows down, affecting the battery’s performance.
According to real-world testing by What Car? this can result in a 15-20% reduction in usable range when the temperature falls into single figures.
Some car makers, such as Renault, also offer an estimate of how temperature will affect a car’s range. According to its tool, a Scenic E-Tech driven at an average speed of 40mph will cover 315 miles in 20 degree conditions but 305 miles if it’s 5 degrees outside. Switching the heater on will knock that down to 255 miles. That’s not ideal but still leaves plenty for most regular trips.
Does cold affect EV charging?
Yes, the cold does also affect an EV battery’s ability to charge. Adam Rodgers, UK country director, for home charging specialist Easee, notes: “During cold temperatures, an EV’s battery accepts charge more slowly, meaning it takes longer to deliver the same range as when charging at optimal temperatures. For example, if driving a set distance usually requires 1.5 hours of charging, it might take two or more hours to charge in winter to drive the same distance.”
So what can owners do to maximise their EV’s range in winter?
How to charge an EV in winter
We know EV batteries work best in the 20-80% charge range, so aim to keep your car topped up but only go to 100% if you have a long journey ahead.
They also work better when they’re warm, so pre-conditioning the battery before a stop can mean quicker charging times.
Easee’s Adam Rodgers advises: “A general rule is to make sure your car’s battery never drops below 20%. This buffer allows for some spare energy to keep the battery warm and maintain relatively quicker charging speeds. It may be tempting to charge the battery to 100%, but it can actually take less time to accommodate an extra stop in your journey to recharge partially than trying to charge to full capacity in one go.”
He adds: “When driving an electric car in winter, taking a short drive before a full charging session will heat the battery up to make charging more efficient, but this could be incorporated into your journeys as well.”
Pre-warm the car
One of the many great things about EVs is that most offer cabin pre-conditioning, so you can warm the car before you even leave the house. Some cars have an in-vehicle timer while many use an app, and both can save you time and money on frosty mornings.
By preheating the cabin you not only get into a lovely cosy car but you’ll also skip the pain of standing in the cold scraping ice off the glass. And, if the car is plugged into your charger, you won’t lose any driving range. In fact, it will improve it as the battery will warm up to a more effective temperature.
Heat the people, not the car
We know heating systems use energy and, especially in winter, can harm your EV’s range. Renault’s tool estimates that in the scenario mentioned earlier, the heater accounts for 50 of the 60 lost miles of range.
But there are ways to minimise this. If you’re driving by yourself, you don’t need to heat the entire car. Some models, such as our long-term Genesis GV70, have a dedicated ‘driver-only’ mode in the heater settings. If yours doesn’t, try switching the air con to its lowest setting, or turn it off and use heated seats and steering wheel to warm just yourself – it’ll save a heap of energy.
Slow down and drive efficiently
It sounds obvious but, slower speeds generally improve efficiency and, therefore, range. Cutting your speed by just a few miles an hour can add miles to your range, especially in winter months when battery efficiency isn’t at its best.
Similarly, avoid hard acceleration and braking to conserve energy. Try to maintain a constant speed by looking ahead and anticipating what the traffic around you will do. It’s not only more efficient, it’s also safer on wet and slippery roads.
Use Eco mode
Virtually all EVs have an Eco mode designed to cut energy use. Some reduce the heating system’s power and others will even limit the drive motor’s power. Their impact can vary but, whatever it does, using your car’s Eco mode in winter will help you go further on a charge.
Park under cover
If you can, parking your car in a garage or under any form of shelter will help. Even limited extra shelter will help keep the car and battery a little bit warmer, which helps efficiency. Even throwing a car cover over will at least save you from having to waste energy de-icing on cold days.
