Your guide to driving an electric vehicle in winter

Does winter affect electric vehicle driving range?

All vehicles, whether powered by gas or electricity, are less efficient in colder temperatures which impacts how far they can drive. Electric vehicle batteries are most effective between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius, so freezing temperatures can result in drops of up to 30 per cent of the advertised range. Some EVs are equipped with heat pumps that can help to reduce your range loss.  

How preconditioning helps boost your winter range

Preconditioning your electric vehicle is one of the best ways to preserve your range in winter as it uses power from the grid while charging to prepare your car. There are two types of preconditioning that help in different ways:

Battery preconditioning: The battery is heated to an optimal operating temperature that allows it to charge safely and at higher speeds which can help to reduce wear over time.

Cabin preconditioning: You can use power from the grid while charging to heat up your car before you leave. This is the most efficient way to heat your cabin in winter, as turning the heater on while driving will reduce your overall range and takes a significant amount of battery power.

How to conserve range while driving in winter

Once you’re on the road there are a few ways you can save energy while still keeping warm and safely getting to your destination.

The first is to mainly use your heated seats and steering wheel for warmth if you’re looking for the most efficient option, as running the heater at high temperatures can reduce your range.

Secondly, driving smoothly and planning your route effectively with tools like Google Maps or A Better Route Planner are extra impactful during the colder months.

How to prepare an electric car for winter driving

Each winter, Canadian drivers will switch to winter tires and many will also take the extra step of undercoating their car to protect against extra wear from salt spread on the roads. Can you still take these precautions with an electric vehicle?

It’s important to note that switching to your winter tires will have only a small impact on your range of somewhere between 2 and 10 per cent. All vehicles are affected by this change as winter tires have an increased rolling resistance compared to summer tires, and the chunky tread patterns are less aerodynamic.

When it comes to undercoating an EV, it’s important to check with your dealership first. While this is a process that can extend the life of vulnerable components, different manufacturers may have their own guidelines depending on battery warranties and other considerations.

Want to learn more?

Are you thinking about buying an EV or have you just bought one? EVolved: Your Electric Vehicle Journey Begins Here is a guidebook releasing in early 2025 that will take you through everything you need to know about owning and driving them. Stay tuned to Next Ride on Facebook or Instagram so you don’t miss the release date.