There’s no question that electric vehicles (EVs) are growing in popularity. As more people want to reduce their carbon footprint, they’re turning to EVs as their new car. But what happens when winter rolls around? How do EVs fare in cold weather conditions?
This post discusses the cold hard truth about electric cars and cold weather. We also take a cold hard look at what cold weather does to EVs and how to get the most out of yours in colder temperatures.
Does Cold Weather Affect Electric Cars?
Cold weather affects electric cars to a considerable degree, as it turns out. According to AAA, the range of an EV can be reduced by up to 41% in colder climates (Consumer Reports says 25%).
Either way, EVs rely on batteries with chemical reactions that work best at certain temperatures. And when those temperatures dip, they don’t perform as well.
The cold weather affects not only the driving range of the car but also its performance capabilities — which means lower acceleration rates and less torque.
That’s a pretty big deal, especially if you live in a cold climate. So what can you do to ensure your EV performs the way it should and that you get maximum EV range?
How Do You Use Your EV in the Winter?
There are several steps EV owners can take to ensure their vehicles are as efficient as possible in cold weather. First, make sure you keep the lithium-ion battery charged. The colder it gets, the more power will be consumed to maintain a charge.
Charge Often
The best way to ensure your car’s battery is always ready to go is by plugging it into its charging station frequently. This will help ensure the battery stays warm and doesn’t lose its charge too quickly in the cold weather.
This is especially important if you plan to take a long drive in cold weather. If you know that you’ll be driving for an extended period, plug your charger into your EV beforehand so it can handle the colder temperatures without losing power.
It’s also important to remember that EV charging batteries can take a bit longer to top up when winter conditions exist. Be sure to plan accordingly and give your EV enough time to precondition itself to full charge before you head out on the road.
Warm It Up
Another way to help your EV perform better in cold weather is by warming it up before you set out. Just like any other vehicle, an electric car needs a little bit of time to warm up its engine and batteries before it can be driven.
Just turning on the car for a few minutes should be enough for the battery to reach an optimum temperature. This will help it run more efficiently, so you can get the best electric car range in winter driving.
If you travel daily for work or school, try to leave a little bit earlier so you can give your car the time it needs to warm up for its journey.
Carpool
It might be worth considering if you can carpool with someone else in colder weather. Carpooling is a great way to save energy and money on fuel costs, regardless of what kind of car you drive.
Plus, when you’re sharing the ride with someone else, there’s less pressure to get to your destination quickly. This can give you more time to ensure your car is properly warmed up before each trip. And you won’t have to worry about range anxiety.
Will Your Electric Battery Die Due to Cold?
The short answer is no. Cold weather won’t kill your battery — but it can certainly shorten its lifespan if you’re not careful. The issue is related to a couple of things. One, the battery won’t maintain its charge in colder temperatures.
And two, the climate control system in the car can take up a lot of power. These two factors combined can really take a toll on EV battery packs.
To get the most out of your EV in cold weather, charge it frequently and give it time to warm up before each trip. And if you can help it, don’t do anything that will draw power from the AC or heat pump.
This includes heated seats, a heated steering wheel, cabin heat, and other options to make freezing temperatures more bearable. Your goal should be to draw less energy from your battery power.
Of course, there is another option. With Carvaygo, you can have your vehicle shipped to your destination instead of driving it in cold weather. That way, you can get to your destination without worrying about how the cold will affect your EV’s performance.
Carvaygo is especially helpful if you’re planning a long-distance trip in cold temperatures and must ensure your vehicle is ready for the journey.
As you’ve seen, cold weather can really affect your EV’s performance. So rather than risk something happening along the way, let Carvaygo take care of the details so you can get to your destination safely and without any worries.
With Carvaygo EV shipping, you get more than peace of mind — you get the satisfaction of knowing that your vehicle is being cared for in the best possible way. Your odometer will thank you, as it saves putting miles on your EV.
What’s more, Carvaygo EV shipping keeps your car safe from nasty wintery road conditions that could otherwise damage your vehicle. There’s no question that Carvaygo is the safest, fastest, and easiest method for transporting your electric car in cold weather — or any weather!
If you’re wondering how it works, it’s quite simple. You let Carvaygo know where you’re going and when, and they’ll take care of the rest. From pick up to drop off, your vehicle will be expertly handled along every step of its journey — even in cold weather.
Whether you need to transport a single car or multiple vehicles at once, Carvaygo has you covered. With our trained and experienced drivers, you can be sure that your vehicle is in good hands.
We also offer covered and uncovered shipping options. So no matter your needs, we have a solution that’s right for you.
The Bottom Line
There’s enough factual information out there to make it clear that cold weather can affect electric cars. Taking the right precautions, like charging regularly and giving your car time to warm up before each trip, will help keep your EV running smoothly even in the worst winter weather.
If you’re looking for a more convenient way to travel in colder temperatures, check out Carvaygo. With our expert EV shipping services, you can rest assured that your car will get to its destination safely, no matter what conditions it encounters along the way.
Sources:
Cold Weather Reduces Electric Vehicle Range | AAA Newsroom
How Temperature Affects Electric Vehicle Range | Consumer Reports
Electric vehicles in winters: range related concerns and considerations | Nickel Institute
