Cold Weather Challenges Electric Vehicle Drivers as Battery Range Declines

Electric vehicle (EV) drivers are grappling with the challenges of winter weather, which goes beyond the inconvenience of shoveling driveways. Cold temperatures are proving to significantly reduce the driving range of fully electric vehicles, raising concerns among drivers and highlighting the need for strategies to address these issues.

According to research conducted by AAA, fully electric vehicles, powered exclusively by battery packs, experience an average loss of 41% of their range when outdoor temperatures drop to 20 degrees Fahrenheit and the heating system is in use. The inefficiency of batteries in colder temperatures, coupled with the substantial power consumption required to regulate cabin temperature, contributes to this reduction in range. This phenomenon is particularly impactful for EV drivers during the winter months, as exemplified by Marcus Campbell, a recent Uber driver in Chicago. Campbell described the frigid weather in the Windy City as leading to longer workdays, fewer fares, and extended waiting times at charging stations.

The prevalence of EVs on American roads has reached record levels, with 1.2 million units sold nationwide in 2023, according to Cox Automotive. While EV sales are increasing, some consumers remain hesitant due to the ongoing development of charging infrastructure. The recent bitter cold sweeping across parts of the U.S. has added another layer of concern, often referred to as “range anxiety” among EV drivers.

The efficiency of how engines operate plays a crucial role in heating EVs. Scott Case, CEO of Recurrent, a company specializing in measuring EV battery performance, explained that traditional gas engine vehicles use about 10% of their energy for forward momentum, whereas EVs utilize around 90%. This disparity means that EVs lack the waste heat generated by traditional engines, placing a heavier reliance on the battery for cabin heating. Industry experts suggest that EVs equipped with heat pumps for interior warming experience less strain on the battery during cold weather. However, older models often feature less efficient “resistive” heaters, leading to up to a 40% range loss in extreme weather compared to the 20% in EVs with heat pumps.

^{Image Credit: Fast Company}

Additionally, the age of an EV’s battery can impact its performance in cold temperatures, according to Alex Knizek, Consumer Reports’ manager of automotive testing and insights. Batteries naturally degrade over time, affecting their efficiency, particularly in extreme weather conditions. Consumer Reports testing of popular EV models, including the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Volkswagen ID-4, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Tesla Model Y, revealed significant battery depletion in cold weather, with a range drop of 25% from spring to winter and 30% from summer to winter.

While EVs contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector, challenges like reduced range in cold weather highlight the need for ongoing improvements in charging infrastructure. The Biden administration has allocated funds through the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support charging infrastructure and accelerate the electrification of the nation’s transportation system.

Maximizing EV Range in Cold Weather: Tips and Considerations

For EV drivers looking to maximize their range during cold weather, strategies like pre-conditioning are recommended. Pre-conditioning involves turning on the heat while the EV is still plugged in, using energy from the charging station rather than the battery to warm the cabin. Automakers advise against leaving all-electric cars parked outdoors in cold weather for extended periods, suggesting that drivers with garage space move their vehicles indoors during temperature drops.

When shopping for an electric vehicle to navigate cold weather conditions, experts recommend opting for the longest-range model within budget constraints. Understanding how different EV models’ batteries perform over time, including in varying weather conditions, can be facilitated by services like Recurrent and others, providing potential buyers with valuable insights into their vehicle’s expected performance.

In conclusion, the winter challenges faced by EV drivers underscore the importance of ongoing technological advancements and infrastructure improvements to make electric vehicles more resilient in adverse weather conditions.