Cold Weather and Your EV: What You Need to Know

Electric vehicles (EVs) are great, but they don't like the cold. When temperatures drop, so does their range. This isn't just a small drop either. We're talking about a big hit to how far you can go on a single charge. In really cold weather, like 20°F, an EV can lose about 41% of its range. That's a huge deal! But it's not all bad news. Newer EVs handle the cold better. On average, they keep about 78% of their range at 32°F. Some of the best models keep around 88%, while the worst ones drop to about 69%. So, why does cold weather affect EVs so much? Well, cold air slows down the chemistry in the battery. Plus, the heater uses a lot of energy to keep the cabin warm. This means you have less power left for driving. If you're planning a trip in cold weather, it's important to adjust your expectations. Don't assume you'll get the full range listed on the window sticker. Instead, plan for less. For example, if your EV has a range of 300 miles in normal weather, you might only get about 225 miles in the cold. To make the most of your EV in cold weather, there are a few things you can do. First, preheat your car while it's still plugged in. This warms up the battery and the cabin, so you're not using up precious range to heat things up while you're driving. Second, clear the snow off your car to reduce drag. Third, drive smoothly and calmly. This saves both your battery and your tires. Remember, safety comes first. If the weather is really bad, it's better to delay your trip than to risk getting stranded. So, plan ahead, drive carefully, and you'll be just fine.