The cold can be a challenge for any technology. Even electric cars in winter.
It can have several negative effects on them, impacting their range, performance, and their overall efficiency.
We'll be telling you why and also about the things you can do to combat these issues right now. Not to mention what future technology holds in store when it comes to addressing them permanently.
Electric Vehicles are Made to Be Driven Year Round
Arguably more so even than regular petrol or diesel-powered cars.
An electric car is built from some of the finest, most cutting edge technology that the automotive industry has to offer.
But of course . . . that doesn't mean they're invincible.
The cold is still going to affect them. Just as it does any other car.
Range: How Does Cold Weather Affect Electric Cars?
First and foremost, cold temperatures reduce the range that you're going to be getting out of your electric vehicle on each charge.
Cold temperatures can significantly reduce the driving range of electric cars.
You see, the battery's chemical reactions slow down in the cold, meaning decreased energy output.
Plus, it's cold outside . . . so you're also going to be putting your heating on, right?
Well, that's only going to consume more energy, meaning less range.
Research by What Car? magazine suggests that, as a driver, you can expect to get 15-20% fewer miles out of your EV in the winter than in the summer – a figure which will go down even further in icy conditions.
Therefore, you need to make sure that you have more charge in the bank than you would usually have, in order not to be caught short on a winter journey and left stranded by the roadside.
It Reduces Battery Life
Yep, because cold batteries have a smaller capacity than warm batteries, which unfortunately means that electric cars in winter aren't going to hold as much charge.
The science behind it is that colder temperatures have the effect of slowing down the chemical reaction which generates power, therefore reducing the battery's lifespan and weakening its power.
Why Does Cold Weather Reduce EV Efficiency?
Because most electric cars are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which are highly sensitive to temperature and changes in temperature.
So it's no surprise that colder, more extreme temperatures can reduce the efficiency of lithium-ion batteries, which in turn affect the performance of electric cars.
Charging Time: Do Low Temperatures Impact Charging Speeds?
Yep, they sure do.
Whilst charging your car in rain or snow can't be said to be dangerous, the process is certainly going to be a little bit slower. Especially at public rapid chargers.
That's because low temperatures slow down the chemical reactions within the EV's battery.
That being said, a certain number of electric cars do have thermal management systems to help regulate battery temperature, thereby reducing these effects.
Tesla admits that extreme weather can result in slower charging speeds at its trademark Supercharger stations, with the same likely being true of other networks.
Therefore, you should prepare for queues and longer waits when at charging stations in the winter. Make sure you arrive at one with enough charge left to last (don't leave it to the very last minute), and set off a bit earlier to factor in those waiting times.
But apart from you keeping an extra eye on your model’s predicted range, not to mention the weather and the more tricky road conditions, there isn't much to worry about in terms of safety when it comes to driving an electric car in the winter months.
Slow Down and Use Eco Mode
This may sound obvious . . . but the faster you drive your electric vehicle (or any vehicle for that matter), the less efficient it's going to be.
Even dropping your speed from 70 mph to 65 mph on the motorway can really help make a difference when it comes to maximising your electric range. Not to mention the fact that it's just a heck of a lot safer, especially in snow or icy conditions.
But you can also make use of the eco-driving mode that's in electric vehicles. What this does is boost mileage and reduce power consumption. It can be used all-year round, but you'll really feel the benefits of it during the winter.
Hint: Use it.
Preheat the Car and Battery
Doing this from the mains on an electric charger before you set off means that you won't be draining your EV's battery whilst on the move. (Same with your electric car's heated seats or a heated steering wheel, if you have them.)
It also means you'll be setting off in a warm electric vehicle with a full charge, and why wouldn't you want that?
And as mentioned earlier, plugging in more often than usual can help save you from range anxiety, too.
You can also do this at places other than your home. For example, if your workplace has charging points available, then you should make use of them to get the heating started etc.
Regenerative Braking
This is basically the process of recharging the battery of an electric or hybrid vehicle whilst braking, and it's going to save you a lot of miles that would otherwise be lost.
Like heating up your electric car using the energy from a plug rather than your EV's battery, this is going to help counteract the miles lost to the cold weather.
When it comes to regenerative braking, it's generally considered best to use the strongest setting you’re comfortable with during city or low speed driving, where stop-start traffic is going to keep adding a little charge to your battery. But on a clear motorway, it’s often wise to turn it off in order to maintain speed through coasting.
However, do be aware that many electric cars don't actually come with regenerative braking, so best check that yours does.
Cover Your Electric Car
No, we don't mean with car insurance (although definitely do that too!).
We mean you should physically cover your car during the cold weather by storing it in a garage or an enclosed parking space to prevent heat loss.
Use Your Sat Nav
As we all know, a sat-nav is the easiest way to plan a route to an unknown destination.
You getting lost on the road is only going to take away even more precious miles from your electric car's range, so you'd be wise to use a sat-nav when possible.
As opposed to winging it and ending up lost down a cul-de-sac . . .
Will The Issue Improve?
Seems only natural that it will.
Technology is only getting better, and manufacturers are aware of the challenges brought by colder weather and are constantly on the lookout to address them.
For example, some newer, more modern electric cars tend to be built with advanced thermal management systems for their batteries. These help maintain optimal operating temperatures in difficult weather conditions.
So . . . fingers crossed.
Summary
In conclusion, electric cars in winter can be a little less effective, but it's still no reason not to get an EV.
The benefits of electric cars still far outweigh the few less miles you're going to be getting out of it in the winter, so don't let the January blues get you down.
And like we say, the cold weather affects petrol and diesel-powered cars just as much, if not more.
FAQs
Are EV cars affected by cold weather?
Yes, but not extremely. However, you are going to be getting less range out of them, and they're going to take longer to charge. That's because low temperatures can slow down the chemical reactions within the EV's battery.
Which EV is best for winter driving?
The Audi E-Tron SUV (which changes to the Audi Q8 E-Tron in 2024) is arguably the best at preserving range in challenging temperatures, preserved range the best, with a loss of 16% in freezing temperatures compared to ideal temperatures. The Nissan Leaf also does well, losing just 18% of its range in challenging temperatures.