Battery Performance and Cold Weather

  1. Lithium batteries cannot fully discharge their energy when cold which has lead many to mistakenly conclude that EVs lose range in the cold.
  2. The EV’s battery does not lose power, it simple does not have some of the power available while cold.
  3. As the car is driven, the battery heats up and more of the energy in the battery becomes available.
  4. Leaving your EV plugged in while parked will allow the car to top off the battery and trickle charge as needed.

Improving Performance in Cold Weather

  1. By charging to 80-90% each night in the winter, there will still be plenty of power available when the battery is cold.
  2. Preheating cabin when plugged in will allow the car and the battery to heat up and improve performance.
  3. Heated steering wheel / seat will reduce energy required to heat the entire cabin.

Charging Considerations in Cold Weather

  1. Always remember to make a regular inspection of tire pressure in colder weather. A higher tire pressure is recommended to improve cold weather performance and efficiency.
  2. Slower charging speed on fast chargers may occur in cold weather if the battery is cold.

Cold Weather Advantages of EVs

  1. Electric vehicles have no issues starting in cold weather. They do better than gasoline vehicles!
  2. Electric vehicles handle better in the cold weather due to the improve traction control from the weight of the battery and the quick response of electric traction control adjustments.
  3. More energy may be used in colder weather due to high winds, water or snow on the roadway and additional climate control. This is true in an gas vehicle too.
  4. Plan ahead when traveling great distances in the cold. Plan to arrive at your next charging spot with 20% of more in your battery.

Travel Tip for Cold Weather

If you find the conditions are negatively affecting the range you have, slowing down can reduce the energy used drastically and give you that extra buffer to make it to your destination. Driving more slowly in poor weather conditions is always advisable for your safety.

Electric Work Trucks

Using an Electric truck is more economical. It costs only $4/100KM.

Learn more