Anyone who has driven in snow, frost, or sand under their car’s hood understands that driving in cold weather requires extra planning and caution. Owners of electric vehicle (EVs) are not an anomaly.
EVs function well in cold climates. Over two-thirds of newly sold cars in icy Norway are electric.
Here are some often-asked questions regarding how well EVs function in cold climates, along with performance-enhancing advice.
How to start EV in Winter
Electric vehicles are more dependable than gas-powered vehicles when it comes to starting in the cold. The majority of electric cars are started with a 12-volt lead-acid battery; nevertheless, compared to starting a gas-powered automobile, starting an EV is considerably simpler and requires a lot less electricity.
In gas-powered vehicles, the engine must be started by the battery in order to move the piston into the thick, cold oil. The same battery simply needs to start some circuitry in an EV.
Does cold weather affect EV efficiency?
Like internal combustion cars, electric vehicles lose efficiency in the winter.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) conducted laboratory-based testing in February 2019 and found that at 20 degrees Fahrenheit as opposed to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, the driving range fell by 12%. The range loss rose to 41% when the cabin heater was utilized.
Nonetheless, a more thorough investigation carried out in 2020 by the Norwegian Automobile Federation (NAF) on 20 cars in actual winter driving circumstances discovered that EVs lost an average of 18.5% of their range, with some more contemporary models only seeing a 9% decrease. The climate control systems that keep the cabin at a comfortable temperature are included in these figures.
Battery deterioration and cabin temperature
The primary cause of EVs’ lower battery range in colder climates is the heating system within the cabin. Compared to gas-powered automobiles, electric vehicles (EVs) consume more energy because they run on battery electricity.
However, it’s crucial to remember that a gas car loses energy all year round simply by operating the engine, whereas an electric vehicle (EV) loses 41% of its available electricity for heating in the winter.
Estimates derived from models indicate that between 58% and 62% of the energy included in gasoline is lost during burning as heat. This is the main reason why EVs are more energy-efficient than gas-powered vehicles, even during the cold.
Winter EV heating optimized
Energy-efficient heat pumps are standard on many EV models, and some even come with “Cold Weather Packages” that, when plugged in, pre-warm the battery and deliver high-power heating.
EV charging in the winter
An EV’s charging may take longer in colder months. The driver might not notice a change if they are using an insulated EV charger in a secure garage to charge their car. Slower charging speeds are caused by the battery’s decreased conductivity at high charging rates and low temperatures.
In colder climates, regenerative braking is less effective, and the battery doesn’t start to charge again until it reaches a specific temperature.
Advice for EV owners over the winter
Warm up your electric car. The majority of EV apps let you adjust the cabin temperature from a distance, so you can turn on the heater for ten to fifteen minutes before disconnecting and taking off. Then, to stay warm, you can rely on seat and steering wheel heaters, which use very little electricity.
Decide on a charging timetable. As an alternative, you can decide when to finish your charging session right before you leave. Preheated batteries operate more efficiently.
Utilize one pedal to drive. When you get close to the stoplight, take your foot off the pedal to enable regenerative braking. This produces a negligible quantity of electricity.
Make a route plan. Carry a backup plan in case you need to charge while traveling. If the public charging stations are kept up to date, you can check which ones are available with a phone app like PlugShare.
Advice for EV owners over the winter Tire air pressure decreases by about 2% for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit drop in temperature during cold weather. Efficiency is reduced and rolling resistance rises as a result.
Be careful when driving, especially on highways. Compared to lower speeds, EVs use less energy when traveling at greater speeds. Not only do you use more electricity on highways, but you also use it less effectively.”
Please be aware that this translation is generic in nature and those precise context-specific meanings may change depending on the target audience and regional differences.