Electric cars have taken the UK by storm, offering drivers a cleaner, more efficient way to get from A to B. But when winter rolls around and temperatures drop, many EV owners start to notice a dip in their electric car range.
So, how much does the cold weather really affect your EV, and what can you do to keep your battery capacity at its best? Here at Stebbings Car Superstore, we have taken a closer look, below.
Why Does Cold Weather Reduce EV Range?
It's no secret that electric vehicle batteries operate best at moderate temperatures. When cold temperatures hit, battery chemistry slows down, reducing efficiency. This means your EV battery can't store or release energy as effectively, causing a winter range drop. On top of that, running interior heating, heated steering wheels, and climate control puts extra strain on the battery, further reducing the electric range.
Studies have shown that the EV range can drop anywhere from 10 to 40% in cold weather, depending on the model and conditions. While that sounds like a big hit, the reality is that modern EVs are constantly improving, and there are plenty of ways to manage winter driving without too much fuss.
It's also important to keep in mind that internal combustion engines also see a reduction in range. Petrol and diesel cars will see higher fuel consumption in the winter months.
How To Maximise Your EV's Winter Range
The good news is that you don't have to accept a big drop in range as a given. With a few smart driving habits and tweaks, you can keep your electric vehicle range going strong even in the depths of winter.
Precondition Your Battery
Most EVs allow you to pre-heat the battery and cabin while the car is still plugged in. Doing this before you set off means you're not using valuable battery range to heat things up whilst driving along.
Use Eco Mode and Regenerative Braking
Many EVs have an eco-driving mode that reduces energy usage by limiting power output and adjusting climate control settings. Using regenerative braking efficiently can also help conserve battery capacity. Some EVs let you adjust the regen settings - a higher setting can help maximise energy recovery, but be mindful of icy conditions where a sudden slowdown could cause a loss of traction.
Plan Your Charging Stops and Keep Your EV Plugged In
Plan your charging stops in advance if you're going on a longer journey. The cold weather can slow down charging times, so factoring in a longer stop here and there is always a good idea. Keeping your EV plugged in when parked helps maintain the optimum operating temperature for the high-voltage battery.
Keep Your Tyres in Check and Consider Winter Tyres
Cold weather can affect your tyre pressure, increasing rolling resistance and making your EV work harder. Regularly checking your tyres will help to keep efficiency levels up.
Investing in winter tyres can improve grip and performance in freezing temperatures.
Which EVs Perform Best in Winter?
Some electric cars handle winter weather better than others. Models with a heat pump, for example, are typically more efficient in the cold, as they use less energy to raise the cabin temperature.
Cars with good insulation and battery thermal management also cope better in cold temperatures.
Popular electric cars include the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia EV6; all of which have been praised for their winter range and performance.
The Future of EV Winter Performance
As EV technology advances, manufacturers are constantly improving better efficiency and cold-weather performance. Newer models come with improved thermal management, more efficient heat pumps, and better aerodynamics to combat range loss. With the UK's push towards electrification, winter driving in an EV is only going to get easier.
Yes, electric car range takes a hit in winter, but it's not the end of the world. With a bit of preparation and some smart driving habits, you can still get where you need to go without too much hassle. If you're thinking about making the switch to an EV or upgrading your current model, understanding how different cars handle the cold is key to making the right choice.
Looking for your next EV? Browse our latest selection of electric cars and find the perfect winter-ready model today!
