How does Cold Weather affect Electric Cars?

The cold weather means motorists will have to get their ice scrapers out but for electric cars, winter affects more than just the exterior.

More electric car owners are noticing that their batteries’ performance is suffering.

This is one of the weak aspects of electric vehicles (EV) as battery chemistry means energy storage and discharge happen at different speeds, depending on the temperature.

When the temperature drops, so do battery efficiency and available range.

Extremely cold weather tends to take 10-15% off the range of an electric car but it can be significantly more.

It affects every electric vehicle, but some seem better able to cope with snow and ice than others.

For example, a Honda e’s 35kWh lithium-ion battery has a claimed range of 125 miles.

In the summer it has 100 miles of usable range. But it plunges to 80-90 in the winter.

Meanwhile, a Tesla Model S has 265 miles in warmer temperatures. It is nearer to 250 miles in cold temperatures.

The Mazda MX-30 has a range of 90 miles instead of 110 in warmer months.

This presents a clear trend that cold weather means less range.

When looking at the Citroen e-C4’s official range in different temperatures, it shows:

• 20°C: 217 miles
• 10°C: 194 miles
• 0°C: 175 miles
• -10°C: 141 miles

This shows a 76-mile decline or a drop of 35%.

How to maximise the range of EVs in Winter

There are a few tips to extend the range of your electric car in cold weather.

If you have charging facilities at home, make sure to charge your car. That way, you’ll start most journeys with a full charge.

Many EVs have a pre-heating function. On some models this is only available when the car is plugged in – it’s a great benefit to have, deicing windows and warming the cabin to make driving in cold conditions quicker and comfier.

It is recommended to use this function when plugged in, so you don’t eat into your range before you’ve even left home.

But be careful with your accessories. Heating and seat warmers will all consume charge and reduce your range.

Apart from energy conversation, electric cars are subject to the usual rules of motoring in winter.

For example, winter or all-season tyres are recommended.

Winter tyres provide a specific compound high in silica and tread pattern developed to give better traction in cold conditions.

Note that many electric cars have pop-out door handles.

While they have aerodynamic benefits, they can freeze shut in icy weather.

It is good information to know so you are not surprised when your electric car has a shorter range in cold weather.

After all, petrol or diesel car owners will not expect their range to shrink during freezing temperatures.