As winter looms, electric vehicle (EV) owners are preparing for the challenges that come with cold weather. With freezing temperatures expected to sweep across much of the U.S., EV drivers will likely face slower charging times and a drop in driving range—similar to what was experienced during last year’s Arctic blast.
Winter’s Effect on EV Efficiency
While all vehicles lose some efficiency in cold weather, electric cars are particularly affected. As temperatures drop, EV batteries have to work harder to both power the vehicle and heat the cabin, leading to longer charging times and reduced range. In past winters, many EV drivers were surprised to find how much the cold affected their car’s performance.
The drop in range can be significant. A study by Recurrent, which tracks EV performance, found that the average driving range of 18 popular EV models dropped to around 70% in freezing temperatures. As a result, drivers in colder regions must be ready to adjust their driving and charging routines throughout the winter.
Charging Delays: What to Expect This Winter
Winter conditions have already caused long lines at charging stations in places like Chicago during previous cold spells. Drivers have reported that what normally would be a short 45-minute charging session stretched to over two hours. For some, the delays were even longer as they waited for a charging station to become available.
As more EVs hit the road this winter, and temperatures drop, it’s important for drivers to be aware that charging times may increase. Cold temperatures force EV batteries to slow down charging rates until the battery itself warms up, resulting in extended waiting periods at charging stations.
How Cold Affects EVs More Severely
Unlike gasoline-powered cars, electric vehicles rely entirely on their battery to function, which means both propulsion and cabin heating drain the same energy source. When temperatures plummet, the energy required to heat the vehicle puts added strain on the battery, reducing the driving range.
For EVs parked outside in freezing conditions, the cold exacerbates the problem, as batteries are especially vulnerable when not protected from extreme weather. Some manufacturers have begun adding heat pump technology to improve winter efficiency, but the issue remains a key concern for many drivers.
Tips for EV Owners to Navigate Winter
To help EV drivers manage the cold, experts offer the following advice:
- Preheat While Plugged In: Warm your car while it’s still charging. This helps save battery life by using energy from the charger instead of the car’s battery.
- Use Seat Warmers and Steering Wheel Heaters: Once driving, minimize use of the car’s heater and rely on seat and steering wheel warmers, which use less energy and can keep you comfortable.
- Prepare for Longer Charging Times: Cold batteries slow down charging speeds, so expect to spend extra time charging your vehicle until the battery warms up.
- Maintain Battery Health: Keep your EV plugged in when possible, with a charge limit set between 70% and 80%, to preserve the battery’s health and performance.
Widespread Cold: A National Challenge for EV Drivers
With millions of Americans expected to experience freezing temperatures this winter, the issues faced by EV owners will likely be widespread. Last winter’s Arctic blast affected over 90 million people under wind chill advisories, with more than half of the continental U.S. covered in snow. As we head into another winter, similar weather conditions could pose further challenges for EV drivers, especially in northern states.
Tesla’s Cold Weather Solutions
Tesla, one of the leading EV manufacturers, has been proactive in helping drivers deal with cold weather. In their “Cold Weather Best Practices,” Tesla recommends pre-warming the vehicle using the “Defrost Car” setting from the mobile app. This can help thaw frozen charging ports, which is a common problem in sub-zero conditions.
Additionally, Tesla encourages drivers to use the “Trip Planner” feature when heading to a charging station. By navigating to the charging location at least 30-45 minutes in advance, the vehicle’s battery has time to warm up en route, allowing for faster charging upon arrival.
Looking Ahead: Adapting to Winter with EVs
As electric vehicles become more common, drivers are learning to adjust their habits to deal with winter weather. New technologies like heat pumps are helping reduce the impact of cold temperatures, but drivers still need to be prepared for longer charging times and reduced range during freezing weather.
This winter, with more EVs on the road, it’s essential for drivers to plan ahead, manage their charging times, and use energy-efficient features to keep their vehicles running smoothly despite the cold. By adopting these strategies, EV owners can enjoy the benefits of clean energy even through the harshest of winter conditions.