Many drivers considering an electric vehicle (EV) worry that it may not offer enough range, leading to frequent recharging that could disrupt their daily or weekly routines, especially when winter arrives and temperatures drop.
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, the average electric range for new EVs introduced in 2023 is nearly 300 miles. Some EVs available in the UK even approach a 400-mile range, and many manufacturers are working to develop models that exceed this threshold.
Considering that 99% of car trips in England are under 100 miles, most could be completed with an EV without needing a recharge. Yet, many potential EV owners remain concerned that these vehicles will not meet their needs, especially during the winter months.
Do EVs lose range in the winter?
It is true, EV batteries, experience a reduction in range during colder weather. A 2020 study conducted in Norway, Europe's biggest EV Market, revealed that EVs can lose up to 20% of their range at temperatures between 0 and 2 degrees Celsius.
The efficiency of batteries decreases in low temperatures due to slower chemical reactions in lithium-ion batteries, resulting in diminished mileage.
Additional battery demands, such as heating and headlights, along with challenging road conditions like ice and slush, can further impact efficiency.
Since the study took place in 2020, more models have been released with heatpumps (which helps to prevent up to 15% of range loss) as standard and increased WLTP range. Therefore a 20% reduction in range will allow for sufficient daily commuting, for most car drivers in the UK.
Winter driving tips to maximise range
- Plug In: plugging in at home, or at work will help keep your battery charged between the optimal 20%-80%.
- Pre-condition / pre heat: Use the pre-conditioning feature, if available, to warm the battery before driving.
- Plan Charging Stops: For longer trips in cold conditions, plan routes that include charging stops
- Reduce Speed: Lowering speed from 70mph to 65mph improves range, especially in cold weather.
- Use ECO Driving Mode: Activating ECO mode optimizes energy use for better efficiency, particularly in winter.
- Maximise Regenerative Braking: Utilise regenerative braking to recover energy while slowing down, but be cautious in snowy or icy conditions.
- Use Seat Heaters: They are more energy-efficient than cabin heat.
- Utilise Heated Steering Wheel: Warm your hands without heating the whole cabin.
- Cover your EV: covering your EV will prevent any build up of snow or ice, but also help to keep your battery warm
- Keep tyres inflated: Cold weather lowers tyre pressure, impacting EV traction and range. Regularly check tyre pressure in winter to enhance energy efficiency and boost range.