Electric Cars vs Winter: How does the cold affect my range?
With winter approaching, a common theme for scepticism around electric cars is their range capabilities in extreme climates. In this blog post, we will discuss if and why electric motors are adversely impacted by colder temperatures, tips for EV drivers to lessen the impact, and the electric cars that perform best in the cold. Moreover, we will also highlight some of the widely unknown winter driving fines that can leave EV drivers paying upwards of £100 this season!
Does cold weather affect electric car batteries?
The short answer is yes - low temperatures do have a negative effect on the battery life of an electric car. The batteries of an EV are less efficient during the cold, and therefore the range capabilities will be lower during winter months. Electric cars have lithium ion batteries which operate best between 15ºC and 35ºC. Consequently, when temperatures decrease below this threshold, we can expect the range to drop between 20-30%.
Using the heating can also affect the range of your electric car as it demands more power to be generated from the battery. Unlike electric vehicles, petrol and diesel cars have internal combustion engines, which filter the heat and do not need to generate it themselves.
However, it should be noted that internal combustion engine cars are not immune to decreased efficiency in the cold. Most cars using internal combustion engines require the vehicle to reach a certain temperature before its systems operate optimally. Nevertheless, the decreased efficiency in EV’s tends to be more pronounced.
“We recommend not using heated seats and, instead, warming up the entire car. Heating the cabin consumes less power compared to directing it to individual seats. If your car has regenerative braking, it may be less effective in cold weather. This feature captures lost energy when an electric car slows down, but it doesn’t work as well in winter conditions.”
Is it safe to charge my car in the winter?
Certainly! Your electric car and chargers are designed with multiple safety features to prevent issues like short circuits, sparks, or power loss. However, it's crucial to understand that cold temperatures can affect the speed of charging.
Several factors influence the time it takes to charge an electric car, including the battery size, current charge level, maximum charging rates of both the battery and the charger, and environmental conditions.
In winter, colder weather can prolong the charging time, and the car becomes less efficient, meaning fewer miles are added per charging session. This is particularly important to consider on longer journeys where you plan to top up the battery to ensure sufficient range. However, for overnight charging, the extended time mitigates the impact of colder weather on the battery charge.
In colder weather, both overnight charging and public charge points may take longer. For example, a rapid charge that typically takes 30 minutes might extend to 40 minutes due to the cold, slowing down the lithium ions.
If you're planning extended trips with stops at public charge points, be prepared for potential delays and longer queues. Planning ahead is key, and you might even consider treating yourself to a hot chocolate while waiting! Alternatively, investing in a home charger for your electric vehicle can help avoid these delays. Explore our charging partner, Smart Home Charge, for more information.
Here are The Electric Car Scheme’s tips & tricks for winter driving
What EV drivers should do to keep up their range performance.
Despite the slower battery life and charge times, you can still run an electric car efficiently. All you need is to plan ahead of your journey to make sure your battery works with you!
Park your car indoors or use a car cover, where possible.
This will not only save your electric car from the snow or ice and get you on the road sooner, but it will also protect the battery from the cold so it will lose less charge and improve its efficiency.
Avoid letting your battery fall too low
You need to be able to keep enough power for performance as well as heating.
Change your Tyres
The winter season can cause the rubber in your tyres to harden, resulting in reduced traction. It's advisable to inspect the tread depth of your tyre to ensure compliance with the legal minimum of 1.6 mm. Even if your tyres meet this threshold, maintaining a higher tread depth enhances both braking and steering capabilities. Consider investing in winter tyres, as they offer improved grip for effective driving in rain, snow, and ice. Keep in mind that electric vehicles are heavier than petrol cars, so ensure that the winter tyres have excellent grip and can handle the increased weight.
Get an electric car that has a heat pump
One noteworthy technological improvement in newer EVs, particularly beneficial in enhancing range during winter, is a heat pump. This device captures heat from the car's battery, extending the EV's range. Recent studies revealed that EVs equipped with a heat pump experienced only a 25.4% shortfall from their official range, while those without encountered a more significant deficit of 33.6%.
Reconsider your driving habits
Avoid sharp acceleration: A gentle touch on the accelerator pedal will not only be safer in cold conditions but also extend the range of your car
Plan your journey: check charge points on route to your destination and ensure you leave extra time for unexpected delays like longer queues due to the slower charge times
Eco mode: Most people forget about eco mode but using this feature in your electric vehicle can reduce unnecessary use of battery power
“EV drivers specifically need to be aware that cold temperatures impact their range. Many EVs feature an eco-mode that allows you to increase your mileage by reducing the energy supplied to the motor, allowing you to go further when it’s colder. Even without this function, you can extend your range by driving economically. Accelerating gradually and maintaining consistent speeds will not only maximise your energy efficiency but also help reduce the risks of winter hazards, like icy or wet roads.”
Electric cars that perform the best during cold climates
Although, indeed, EVs are adversely impacted by the colder weather, not all EVs are equally vulnerable to reduced range. Twice a year, during peak summer and winter, What Car takes a sample of popular electric cars and puts them through an endurance test to see how they fare in extreme climates when compared to their advertised range provided by the car manufacturer. Below are the results of their latest 2023 findings.
| Car | Official Range (miles) | Estimated Winter Range (miles) | Shortfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Ariya 87kWh Evolve | 322 | 269 | 16.40% |
| Tesla Model Y Long Range | 331 | 272 | 17.80% |
| Mini Electric Resolute | 141 | 113 | 20.20% |
| Genesis GV60 Premium | 321 | 251 | 21.80% |
| BMW i4 eDrive 40 M Sport (Pro Pack) | 340 | 261 | 23.40% |
| Jaguar I-Pace EV400 | 261 | 197 | 24.60% |
| Volkswagen ID Buzz Style | 255 | 192 | 24.80% |
| MG 4 Long Range Trophy | 270 | 196 | 27.60% |
| Cupra Born 58 kWh V3 | 255 | 182 | 28.70% |
| Renault Megane E-Tech Techno | 270 | 189 | 29.90% |
| Renault Megane E-Tech Equilibre | 275 | 187 | 32.10% |
| Ora Funky Cat First Edition | 193 | 130 | 32.80% |
Source: What Car“More and more people own or are considering electric cars, and it’s important that they understand the pros and cons of this technology, especially in terms of how far they are likely to go between charges.”
The Nissan Ariya and Tesla model Y Long Range performed the best, experiencing only a 16.4% and 17.8% shortfall in range. On the other end of the spectrum, the Renault Megane E-Tech Equilibre and Ora Funky Cat were the worst performers, both recording a drop in range of greater than 30%.
However, despite the drop in performance, What Car also finds that EV’s are still more economical than their petrol and diesel counterparts.
The most cost effective car that What Car has ever tested was the Toyota Yaris, costing around 11.2p per mile to fuel. The most effective EV that they tested was the Mini Electric, coming in at 8.7p per mile to charge! Therefore, don’t be disheartened by your EV’s lower performance during the winter - you’re still paying far less than the average petrol and diesel car owner.
When researching which EV you want to drive, it’s worth looking into its performance during the colder climates. All of the cars mentioned in the table can be salary sacrificed through The Electric Car Scheme. Have a look at our quote tool to look at the great prices we have on offer.
Simple mistakes that could cost EV drivers fines of up to £100 this winter!
Don’t get yourself in trouble - follow these rules during the Winter season!
To help drivers stay aware of the rules and regulations regarding driving an electric vehicle in the winter, The Electric Car Scheme has compiled some key tips to help you stay safe and avoid paying hefty fines.
Leaving charge point cables untidy during a recharge can land you up to a £130 fine
Highway Code: 2395
Endorsement code: MS106
The cold weather brings various hazards for pedestrians, such as slippery leaves, icy paths, and reduced visibility. While plugging in your car, ensure you haven't left cables around, as per endorsement code MS106. Leaving your vehicle in a hazardous position may result in three penalty points and a fine of up to £130, with the amount depending on the severity of the offence and the council area in which you reside. Outside London, Penalty Charge Notices range from £50 to £80, while fines inside the capital are between £80 and £130. Additionally, negligent vehicle use may result in a £50 non-endorsable Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN). According to Highway Code rule 239, drivers should park near the charge point, to avoid trip hazards from cables, and neatly return the cables after use to minimise danger to pedestrians.
Neglecting to clear your EV’s sensors of mud and snow could lead to a £100 fine
Endorsement Code: TS10 - TS701
Most modern vehicles use various sensors to perceive their surroundings, navigate, and adapt to different conditions. Camera sensors interpret road objects, but poor weather like rain and snow can limit their visibility. If a vehicle's sensors fail or get damaged, leading to non-compliance with traffic signs, you may face a £100 fine and three penalty points. Just as you clear your number plate of debris, ensure your car's sensors are free from snow, mud, or obstructions. Before driving in freezing temperatures, ensure your sensors are operational by double-checking their functionality.
Driving before properly demisting your windows or clearing snow can result in a £1,000 fine
Highway Code: 229
The winter months can add challenges to your morning commute. Regardless of how late you are, it's crucial to ensure full visibility of the road. According to endorsement code MS10, failing to maintain proper control of the vehicle or have a clear view of the road may result in a £1,000 penalty (£2,500 for PCV or goods vehicles) and three penalty points. Avoid unwanted fines by taking care of a few things before heading out. Clear your windows of ice and remove any snow that could obstruct other drivers. For everyone's safety, check that your lights and number plates are visible and thoroughly demist your car's interior.
Driving while wearing winter gloves, a beanie hat, and a scarf can land you a £1,000 fine!
Highway Code: 229
Whether it's a style preference or you're merely shielding yourself from the cold, it's crucial to maintain full attention on the road. Scarves, gloves, and bulky coats may not only restrict your mobility but also cause unnecessary distractions.
Failing to have proper control of the vehicle or a clear view of the road and traffic ahead can lead to a penalty of £1,000 or three penalty points. So, whenever feasible, consider warming up your car using the heating system and then wear winter clothing when you reach your destination.
Ready to electrify with salary sacrifice?
There are now over 920,000 electric vehicles in the UK as of October 2023. So why not join in and make the switch to electric with salary sacrifice?
The Electric Car Scheme is an employee car benefit founded to help more people make the switch to an electric car to help the UK reach the goal of net zero by 2050.
How can I salary sacrifice an electric car?
As an employee car benefit, a company can lease an electric car through The Electric Car Scheme on an employee’s behalf. In return, the employee agrees to pay for the lease of the car through your gross pay (before tax) of your salary.
As a car is an employee benefit it is technically classed as a ‘company car’ so it is subject to a benefit-in-kind tax. This tax is factored into our quotes and is currently set at 2% till 2025.
Through this employee car benefit, you can save 30-60%!
To find out more about how you can save with salary sacrifice, watch our explainer video:
To see how much you could save on an electric car, check out our EV salary sacrifice calculator
Last reviewed: 14th November 2023
Next reviewed: November 2024
