How much does low temperatures affect the range of an electric vehicle?

The harsh truth about winter's effect on electric car batteries

Due to increased range and options, more and more Americans are considering buying an electric vehicle. One of the most common questions, aside from general range concerns, is how an electric car will perform in extreme temperatures. But should this concern discourage a potential buyer from choosing an electric car?

The main reasons for this are the effect on the chemical composition of the battery when the car is parked and the cost of maintaining the temperature of the battery and supplying heat to the passenger compartment. According to tests conducted by the Norwegian Automobile Federation, low temperatures can reduce the range of an electric car without plugging in by 20%, and recharging takes longer than in hot weather. 

Range is affected by the operation of the seats and other accessories that serve to combat the cold inside the car. We have seen that at low temperatures autonomy is significantly reduced compared to 20°F. (To study).

We've done some tests on how cold weather affects driving range, and one of the main takeaways is that you should consider how many miles you drive on a typical day and double that number to determine the range that's right for you. The good news is that this figure tends to improve from one model to the next. (This is more about older electric vehicles, which could lose range over time.)

An important reason for choosing a longer range is not only the need for energy, but also the unpredictability of the weather. You don't want to go through the stress of not knowing how long it will take to get to your destination. 

To reduce exposure to cold, park your car in a garage where you can leave it to charge. “It takes less energy to maintain temperature than it does to raise it, so it can have a significant impact on range,” says Sam Abuelsamid, principal analyst at automotive research and consulting firm Navigant.

If you think the climate you live in might be too harsh for an electric car, consider buying one. You will be able to use electric power for city trips and short trips, but you will also have the safety net of an internal combustion engine for long trips and extreme temperatures.

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