Electric Cars in Winter: Essential Tips to Optimize Range and Safety

It’s no secret that cold winter temperatures put stress on car batteries. This is even more true for the energy storage systems of electric vehicles. Heating and lighting during driving place additional strain on the battery. But does this significantly impact the range of your EV? At CARIFY, we answer this and other questions about electric cars in winter.

How Does Winter Affect the Range of Your EV?

Depending on the type and age of your battery, the range of your EV decreases in winter. But why does this happen? The culprits are not only power-consuming systems but also the cold itself, which challenges batteries. Here are the key reasons:

Why Does Range Drop in Cold Temperatures?

Several factors cause batteries in cars to work harder in winter:

• Before starting in cold weather, the battery needs to warm up, consuming energy.

• Heating energy is drawn directly from the battery, as unlike combustion engines, EVs cannot use engine waste heat for heating—this impacts range.

• Poor weather conditions and darkness mean the lights demand more power.

• Tire rolling resistance increases in cold temperatures, leading to higher energy consumption.

• Many EVs regenerate energy through regeneration (or recuperation), where braking energy is recovered to recharge the battery. However, this process is less efficient in cold temperatures and can even become dangerous. More on this later.

How Does Cold Affect the Battery?

In winter, batteries are under significant strain due to several factors:

• Cold temperatures slow chemical reactions in the battery, reducing its capacity and making it less energy-efficient. Lithium-ion batteries, common in most EVs, work best at moderate temperatures.

• The internal resistance of the battery increases, decreasing performance, especially during high discharge currents.

• Charging times lengthen as the chemical processes slow down. To avoid overloading the battery, charging stations automatically reduce charging performance in the cold.

• Extreme cold can damage the battery, for example, through cracks in the electrolyte.

• Prolonged cold shortens battery lifespan.

Tips to Improve Your EV's Range in Winter

With a few tricks, you can improve your EV’s range despite the cold. Start with your charging habits, as they play a major role in extending the battery's lifespan:

• Avoid frequent fast charging, which stresses the battery.

• Keep the charge level between 40% and 80% in winter to maximize battery life. If planning longer trips or expecting traffic jams, fully charge the battery.

• Use high-quality chargers to avoid battery damage.

• Make the vehicle lighter by removing unnecessary load.

Secondly, drive with winter tires suitable for EVs and adjust tire pressure to match the temperatures. This reduces rolling resistance. Here’s what else you can do:

Preheat During Charging

Preheat your car while it’s plugged into the charger. This way, the car is warm when you start, and the energy comes directly from the charging station. Some cars allow preheating remotely via an app. A preheated car also saves you from scraping ice, saving even more time.

Activate Eco Mode to Save Energy

Modern EVs often feature an Eco Mode, which uses energy more efficiently. It reduces acceleration and overall speed, conserving energy.

Use Seat and Steering Wheel Heaters Instead of Air Heating

If you’re driving alone, use the seat and steering wheel heaters instead of the air heating system. This saves energy by warming only the driver’s area.

Drive Smoothly and Slower

If your EV lacks Eco Mode, adopt a smooth driving style with moderate speeds to save energy. Use cruise control where possible. In winter, when weather and visibility conditions are poor, slower driving is also safer. Your battery will reward you with better range.

Care and Maintenance of Your EV in Winter

Good maintenance can improve your EV battery’s performance in winter:

Charge After Long Drives

Leaving your EV with a low charge after driving isn’t a good idea. Self-discharge (caused by battery monitoring electronics, balancing, and chemical side reactions) could drain enough energy that the battery cannot warm up or reach the next charging station. Worse, complete discharge risks irreversible battery damage.
Tip: Charging after driving is better because the battery is already warm and requires less energy to heat up.

Park in a Garage or Warm Spot

Whenever possible, park your EV in a warm place. This prevents the battery from cooling too much, saving energy on preheating.

Protect the Battery on Long Winter Drives

To improve range during long winter trips:

• Use energy-saving modes and drive proactively without speeding.

• Avoid using fast-charging stations during recharges.

• Use seat heaters and reduce cabin heating to conserve battery energy.

• Avoid unnecessary energy consumption.

• Keep doors and windows closed.

Safe Driving in Snow and Ice

While cold temperatures affect range, icy roads pose another challenge. EVs are heavier, increasing braking distances and the risk of skidding. The immediate torque delivery of EVs can also cause wheels to spin.

Key Tips:

• Use winter tires marked “E,” “Elect,” or “EV.”

• Rear-wheel drive EVs skid more easily. Prevent this by driving slower and steering gently. Electronic Stability Programs (ESP) help by braking individual wheels to keep the car stable.

Regeneration (Recuperation) in Winter

EVs recover energy when braking on the driven axle, increasing range in traffic or city driving. However, regeneration is less effective in cold weather. On icy roads, using regenerative braking at speeds over 50 km/h can be dangerous:

• Rear-wheel drive EVs can become unstable or overturn if wheels lock up.

• If your EV has a winter or snow mode, it limits regeneration to lower speeds.

Adjusted Driving Style on Icy Roads

Due to high torque, EVs can spin their wheels when starting on icy surfaces. Reduce motor power using Eco Mode and ensure optimal tires. Drive cautiously and anticipate hazards to avoid skidding or delayed braking. If you’re new to winter EV driving, consider a safety driving course.

Conclusion

Newer EVs are generally well-prepared for sub-zero temperatures, and you might hardly notice a drop in range. Older models and weaker batteries, however, may experience range losses. By following CARIFY's tips and tricks, you can optimize your EV battery’s range and ensure smooth driving throughout winter.

CARIFY offers a wide range of new and like-new electric cars on flexible subscriptions. Thanks to top-notch maintenance and care, all our vehicles are winter-ready and reliable.

FAQs

How Should I Charge My EV in Winter?

It’s best to charge during the day when temperatures are warmer or in a garage. Preheat the battery before charging for efficiency. Charging stations automatically adjust power to protect the battery.

How Does Cold Weather Affect an EV Battery?

Cold slows chemical reactions in the battery, reducing its capacity and range. Charging takes longer, and regeneration becomes less effective.

Which Driving Modes Are Best in Winter?

Driving gently and maintaining a moderate speed is essential for winter safety. Modern EVs offer Eco Mode, which encourages smooth, energy-efficient driving. You can also achieve this manually with cruise control.