Electric vehicle range in winter - what you need to know
Many electric vehicle owners experience a significant drop in range when temperatures fall. We explain why this happens and provide tips on how to maximize range in cold weather.
Why does range decrease in winter?
When temperatures drop below freezing, electric vehicle range can decrease by 20-40%. This is due to several factors:
- Battery chemistry: Lithium-ion batteries perform worse in cold weather. The chemical processes that generate electricity slow down at low temperatures.
- Cabin heating: Electric heating draws significant power directly from the battery, unlike gasoline cars which use waste heat from the engine.
- Battery heating: Many EVs use energy to heat the battery to optimal operating temperature.
- Increased air resistance: Cold air is denser than warm air, increasing drag.
- Tire pressure: Tires lose pressure in cold weather, increasing rolling resistance.
How to maximize winter range
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1. Preheat while charging
Most EVs have a preconditioning function. By warming up the car while it is plugged in, you use grid power instead of battery power. This can save you several kilometers of range.
2. Use seat heaters instead of cabin heat
Seat heaters and steering wheel heaters use far less energy than heating the entire cabin. Keep the temperature a couple degrees lower and use seat heaters to stay warm.
3. Drive in ECO mode
ECO mode limits power and optimizes energy consumption. You will not get the same acceleration, but range increases.
4. Plan charging stops
Cold weather increases fast-charging time. Plan extra time at charging stations, and try to charge when the battery is warm (right after driving).
5. Maintain proper tire pressure
Check tire pressure regularly. For every 10-degree temperature drop, tire pressure decreases by about 0.1 bar.
6. Drive smoothly and predictably
Avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking. Smooth driving provides the best range. Use regenerative braking actively to recover energy.
Expect realistic range
It is normal for range to decrease in winter. The WLTP range quoted for EVs is measured under optimal conditions. In Norwegian winter climate, you can expect 60-80% of stated range, depending on how cold it is and how you drive.
Plan your trips with this in mind, and charge more frequently than you might in summer. With the right approach, you can still drive an EV efficiently throughout the winter.