Cold comfort for EV drivers

With more drivers switching to EVs, many will experience the effects of cold or winter conditions for the first time and need to learn what to expect and do.

Electric Vehicle experts at Electric Solar have warned that cold weather can damage your EV battery and travel range by 30%.

As EV batteries are estimated to cost a staggering £7235 to replace, according to Book My Garage, Matthew Alford, EV specialist at Electric Solar, has outlined the signs that cold weather is damaging your electric vehicle and what to do to improve its range.

“Cold weather risks reducing your electric vehicle’s range – which is the distance it can travel on a single battery charge. Temperatures close to 0C can decrease the range of your EV anywhere between 10% to 30%,” said Matthew.

“While the drop in both temperature and EV range is temporary, drivers must understand how the cold can affect their vehicles and how they can maximise their EV range in wintery conditions.”

How the cold will affect your EV range

1. Battery will become less efficient:“EV batteries operate best in temperatures 20C or above. But cold temperatures below 7C slow the chemical reactions inside the battery, reducing efficiency and lowering the vehicle’s range. If your range fluctuates significantly, it might be a sign that your battery has been impacted.”
2. Challenging driving conditions: “Snow, ice, and wind create more driving resistance, meaning the vehicle consumes more energy as it moves forward. Also, regenerative braking is less effective in winter conditions, and in general, drivers tend to use headlights more due to shorter days and reduced visibility, affecting the car’s battery and range.”
3. Using the heating system more:“Cold weather often leads to the EV using more of the vehicle’s heating system, which drains it of energy. Many EVs have a Battery Thermal Management System to keep the battery at an ideal temperature, but drivers also naturally use extra energy to heat the car, further reducing its range.”

How to improve EV range in cold weather

1. Slow charge your battery:“To maximise the range of your EV, you need to properly maintain its battery. Instead of charging your vehicle to 100%, aim for slow charging, keeping your battery between 20 to 80% charge. If possible, park in a garage so that your EV maintains a consistent temperature even in winter.”
2. Pre-heat your EV: “Heating your EV while it is still plugged in can help minimise range loss. This warms up both the battery and the car, preserving the battery’s efficiency. Many EVs also have features like heated seats that can also help warm passengers without draining much energy.”
3. Plan your trips in advance: “Warming up the battery for each trip can be inefficient, so plan multiple errands in one trip whenever possible. Use apps like PlugShare to find charging stations along your route, making it easier to top off your battery during longer journeys.”
4. Use eco mode:“Many EVs have an eco mode, which reduces how much power is consumed and maximises mileage, which is particularly helpful in winter. Also, driving at lower speeds conserves energy and boosts range, especially in snowy or icy conditions.”
5. Check your tyres: “Cold weather causes tyre pressure to drop, which can negatively impact vehicle performance and range, so regularly check and inflate tyres to the correct level. If it is frequently cold, even consider investing in winter tyres for improved range and safety.”