Tips and Tricks 11/15/24 * min read

Winterproof Your Electric Car: 5 Must-Know Tips for Cold Weather

While electric vehicles have many benefits over traditional gas-powered cars, cold winter conditions can significantly reduce the EV range — sometimes by as much as half compared to warmer weather. In this article, we’ll share five essential tips to help you get the most out of your EV during winter.

As a bonus, we’ve included our top five EV picks that excel in cold conditions. Get ready to see which car could be perfect for Santa Claus!

The optimal temperature for an EV battery is around 20°C (68°F). To maintain this, most EVs come with a pre-conditioning system that warms the battery to this temperature. While this system often operates automatically, it's beneficial to manually control it (usually via an app) and set up suitable usage scenarios, especially before using your car after a cold night. This will help preserve range and extend battery life.

Be mindful of alerts in your infotainment system as well — Polestar, for instance, notifies users if the battery temperature is below optimal

For optimal range in winter, drive with care. Smooth acceleration, avoiding high speeds, using eco-mode, anticipating traffic, taking advantage of regenerative braking, and minimizing the use of unnecessary electric features are key. For instance, using seat and steering wheel heaters conserves more energy than relying on the full cabin heater.

Maintaining proper tire pressure is essential in cold weather, particularly for EVs. A 10°C drop in temperature can lower tire pressure by around 0.14 bars, so make it a habit to check and adjust regularly. This will help maintain traction, efficiency, and extend your real-world driving range.

To boost winter performance even further, consider investing in quality winter tires. Think of it as buying your car some winter boots! They offer better grip and control on icy surfaces, making driving safer and more confident. Remember, electric cars have instant torque, so solid traction is crucial for stability.

If you’re parking your EV for an extended time, leave it plugged in or make sure it’s charged to at least 50% to keep the battery warm.

For day-to-day drives, try to keep your battery between 20-80% and plan for extra charging stops — the cold means your car's battery heating system could consume about 10-20% of your charge.

If you have access to a garage or parking space, always park and charge your EV there. It’s healthier for the vehicle. By eliminating the need for preconditioning, you'll save time, energy, and extend your battery's lifespan. This means more time for you to enjoy your electric ride, without the hassle of waiting for your car to warm up.

However, if you don’t have a warm parking space, consider using a tarp or frost cover to help conserve energy.

We've searched the market to find 5 electric vehicles that thrive in winter conditions, all thanks to their impressive battery thermal management systems. Plus, they come packed with features to keep you toasty and comfortable on even the chilliest adventures:

Battery pre-conditioning: No more waiting for a frosty battery to warm up. Plug in and let your car get cozy before you hit the road.
Heat pump: This clever technology heats your cabin efficiently, maximizing your precious battery range.
Heated seats and steering wheel: Say goodbye to numb fingers and toes! Indulge in instant warmth whenever you need it.

Now, let's dive into our top picks:

Hyundai Ioniq 5

Hyundai Ioniq 5: This EV stands out in cold conditions. Its efficient 800V architecture, large battery, heat pump, heated seats and steering wheel ensure minimal range loss in frigid temperatures.

Kia EV6

Kia EV6: Built on the same platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the EV6 offers similar benefits, including excellent energy efficiency under cold conditions. Moreover, the EV6 is a strong contender in the US used car market.

Hyundai Kona Electric

Hyundai Kona Electric: With its heat pump, pre-conditioning, and seat heaters, the Hyundai Kona offers exceptional winter performance and range retention. This compact affordable EV is a great choice for drivers seeking a blend of efficiency, comfort, and agility.

Audi Q8 e-tron

Audi Q8 e-tron: This luxurious SUV doesn't compromise on winter performance. Individual cell temperature control ensures optimal battery health, and the heat pump keeps you warm without draining the battery.

BMW i5

BMW i5: BMW’s newest model demonstrates minimal energy loss in winter. It comes with a heat pump designed to stretch your driving range, while a special 'Maximum Range' mode limits power to add even more miles — potentially increasing your range by up to 20%!

In conclusion, we hope this article helps you save both energy and time this winter. By following our tips, you can ensure your electric car thrives even in the coldest months.

While long-distance winter driving can be challenging, it's always a good idea to be prepared. Keep an emergency kit with food, warm clothes, and a first aid kit in your car, just in case.

Stay warm, drive green, and enjoy the ride!