When you drive an electric car in winter, things can feel a little different than they do in warmer months. Cold weather has an impact on how electric vehicles (EVs) perform, from battery life to driving range and even comfort features. Understanding what happens during winter driving can help you plan ahead and get the most out of your EV, even in sub-zero temperatures.

Reduced Range

Winter conditions often reduce the range of electric vehicles. Cold temperatures can make the battery work harder, using more energy to keep the car and the battery warm. You might notice your range drop significantly when it’s freezing outside, but that’s normal for EVs in winter.

Slower Charging Speeds

Charging an electric vehicle in winter tends to take longer, especially at fast-charging stations. The battery’s chemistry is slower to react in the cold, meaning the car will take in energy at a reduced rate. To counter this, some EVs have preconditioning options that heat up the battery before charging.

Energy Drain From Heating the Cabin

When it’s cold, heating the cabin consumes a lot of energy. Unlike gas-powered cars that use engine heat to warm the cabin, electric vehicles need to pull that power from the battery, which can further reduce your range. Using seat heaters instead of blasting the air can help conserve some energy.

Frozen Door Handles and Charging Ports

Frozen door handles and charging ports can be frustrating when temperatures drop. A quick application of a de-icing solution or even heating the area with your hands can help thaw things out so you can get on your way.

Regenerative Braking May Be Limited

In cold weather, you might notice that your regenerative braking—where the car recovers energy while slowing down—is less effective. That’s because the battery doesn’t accept charging as easily when it’s cold, so the system can’t store as much energy from braking.

Preconditioning the Car Becomes Essential

Electric vehicles allow you to precondition the cabin and battery, meaning you can warm up the car while it’s still plugged in, using grid power instead of the battery. This not only makes for a comfortable ride but also helps the car run more efficiently once you hit the road.

Traction Control May Perform Differently

Snow and ice require better traction, and electric vehicles are often equipped with advanced traction control systems. Since EVs deliver torque instantly, they can handle icy roads differently than traditional cars, sometimes requiring a lighter touch on the accelerator to prevent slipping.

Windshield Defrosting Uses Battery Power

Using the defrost feature on an electric vehicle draws power from the battery, just like cabin heating. In addition to clearing your view, defrosting helps to maintain a safer driving experience in icy or foggy conditions, but it’s worth noting that it may reduce your overall range slightly.

Tires Lose Pressure Faster

In cold temperatures, tire pressure can drop quickly, affecting the car’s efficiency and handling. Make sure to check your tire pressure and inflate them as needed for optimal performance. Cold weather tends to make this an ongoing task throughout the season.

Cold Weather Drains Keyless Entry Batteries Faster

You might notice that your key fob or mobile app access to the car drains faster in cold weather. The cold impacts all batteries, including the small ones in your key fob. Keep spare batteries handy, and avoid leaving the key fob outside or in freezing conditions when possible.

Slippery Surfaces Impact Regenerative Braking

On snow or ice, the sudden slowing caused by regenerative braking can make the car skid if the road is especially slick. While this usually isn’t dangerous, it’s something to be aware of, especially if you’re used to relying on regenerative braking for smooth stops.

Reduced Battery Performance Overall

Batteries generally perform worse in freezing temperatures, leading to lower efficiency and range. This means your EV may not go as far on a full charge in the winter as it would in summer. It’s always a good idea to factor in this drop when planning longer drives.

Increased Energy Consumption for Short Trips

Electric cars are less efficient on short trips in cold weather because the battery uses extra energy to heat up each time you start the car. If possible, combining errands into one longer trip can help conserve energy and reduce the number of times the car has to warm up.

Difficulty Using Charging Stations in Extreme Cold

In some places, public charging stations can become difficult to use during extreme cold snaps, either because of frozen equipment or slower charging times. In those situations, having a home charging setup can be a big advantage, as it gives you a warm place to plug in and charge your EV overnight.

Wind Chill Affects Energy Efficiency

Even though cars don’t experience wind chill in the same way humans do, driving against strong, cold winds can affect an EV’s efficiency. The battery has to work harder to push the car forward, which can cause a reduction in range, especially during highway driving.