Electric car: tips to combat the winter blues
Electric cars and other EVs can't escape the winter blues. Low temperatures impact the battery and thus the driving range. The lower the temperature drops, the shorter the range. Discover here what you can do about it.
Electric car: range in winter
What is the average difference in range between summer and winter exactly? If you want to find out for a specific model, you can find the answer at ev-database.be. On that site, you can find the range based on a calculation model, according to different conditions: summer (urban/highway/combined) and winter (urban/highway/combined).
Some examples:
| Model | Combined range summer | Combined range winter | Difference |
| Tesla Model S 100D | 570 km | 425 km | -25.4% |
| Jaguar I-Pace | 455 km | 345 km | -24.2% |
| Nissan Leaf | 280 km | 200 km | -28.6% |
| Renault Zoe R110 | 275 km | 200 km | -27.3% |
| BMW i3 | 200 km | 145 km | -27.5% |
Under 10°C is suffering.
The lithium-ion batteries in EVs are sensitive to low temperatures. This is related to their chemical composition. Temperatures below 10 ºC generally mean longer charging times, less power, and less available energy. As a result, the driving range can be up to 30% lower. The car's battery management system also plays a role, intervening at low temperatures to extend the battery's life.
But these tips will surely help you!
- From 0°C outside, the battery of an EV starts to discharge on its own. Keep this in mind.
- In extreme cold, it is best to recharge the battery at least one hour before departure, as this allows you to take advantage of the heat from the charging system to warm up the interior.
- Short charging sessions are better than long charging sessions in winter.
- While driving, it is advisable to prefer seat heating over cabin heating.
- Ensure that you always have a minimum charge level of 20%. This is the reserve needed to sufficiently warm up the battery of the electric car when starting. Below this limit, your battery can experience repercussions and age prematurely, especially if it drops below 5%. However, also do not exceed 90%, as this can cause the battery to degrade faster, according to some.
- Even in very cold temperatures, many EVs automatically reduce the energy recuperation system when braking, to spare the battery.
- If you are not using your car in winter for a while, it is best to leave it 50% charged. Check this charge level occasionally. A battery that remains too empty for too long during a cold period is detrimental.
- Ensure a warm start. Keep your EV connected to the charger and activate the 'pre-heat' function. This way, it’s comfortably warm when you get in and the battery is already partially warmed up, so it doesn’t have to start cold. The power for pre-heating comes not from the battery, but from the plug. Hence, your battery shows up at 100% at the start.
- Let your car stay inside as much as possible and especially let it 'sleep' inside. This already makes a positive temperature difference for the battery, thus, less loss.
Special attention for small electric four-wheelers (category L6-L7)
- for cars without a driving license or microcars, quads, golf carts, and light vans
- e-motorcycles, e-scooters, and pedelecs
You had better take into account that the battery is less insulated than in a regular electric passenger vehicle. The electronic protection measures are also less effective. Therefore, you should pay more attention to the battery during the winter cold. It's better not to leave these EVs unused for long periods. If you leave them uncharged for months during the winter, the battery will definitely not charge in the spring!
Tips for longer trips
- Preheat your car. As mentioned, some electric cars can preheat the interior while still connected to the charging station. Using your car’s app, you can preheat the vehicle from your breakfast table. You then drive off with a fully charged battery and a warmed-up interior.
- Remember: apart from the drive system, the heater is the biggest energy consumer.
- Use seat heating only. Seat heating consumes up to 25% less electricity than full car heating. In a conventional car, the heater works on the residual heat from the engine, not so in an electric car.
- Use as little electronics as possible. Turn off the radio, unplug your smartphone. But be cautious of 'excessive' thriftiness. Do not drive with fogged windows to save on air conditioning.
- Equip your car with winter tires. From 7 degrees Celsius, winter tires are the better choice as they provide more grip. For an EV, it also means: less energy loss and therefore longer electric driving.
- Always carry a charging cable for unforeseen circumstances. Are you looking for a charging station? Find it here.
- Prevent a frozen charging cable. If your car sleeps outside, make sure the plug connection is dry. If frozen, a hot water bottle works wonders.
Are you the proud owner of an e-bike?
Does your electric bike (or other two-wheeler) have a cold-sensitive battery? Do you want to keep your steel steed healthy through the winter?
