Scenes from Chicago in January 2024 left many electric vehicle owners and potential owners in other parts of the country concerned.
Days of frigid temperatures in the Windy City led to abandoned EVs on the sides of the roads, leaving overused chargers frozen and frustrated owners stranded.
Could warming up the cars beforehand have helped? Maybe.
Reduce the Impact of the Cold on Your EV
Most cars have some trouble in cold weather, but EV batteries lose their charge much faster when the temperature drops. This happens because the chemical reactions that store and release energy in the battery slow down when they get too cold.
Heating requires a good chunk of power from the battery as well, decreasing the car’s range. According to AAA research, using the HVAC system to warm up the interior on a 20-degree day cuts about 41% of range.
EV batteries also do more work than traditional gas-powered engines; a gas engine only uses about 10% of its energy to provide forward momentum, while an EV battery uses about 90%.
Warming Up Your EV Before Leaving Home
Warming up your EV before heading out in the winter is important, and it’s easy.
Owners can preserve battery power and driving range by starting the car while it is still plugged into the home charger. This is also the time to warm up the interior, so you can turn the heat down and conserve that power while driving. If possible, keep the car connected to a Level 2 charger; if you use a 120-volt outlet, the voltage may not fully support the heating process, leading to reduced battery power.
Newer EVs come with heat pumps to warm the interiors, and they require less power. Older models have resistive heaters, which are not as efficient. Resistive heaters work by running electricity through a conductor to generate heat. Air blown through the heating element transfers warm air into the cabin. EVs with heat pumps lose about 20% of their range in bitterly cold weather, as opposed to cars with other heating devices, which lose as much as 40% of their range.
More Ways to Optimize EV Performance in Cold Weather
Another way to help your EV function better in cold weather is to store it inside, if possible. If interior storage is not available, get a car cover. And always make sure the battery has a partial charge.
Don’t fear the cold. Preparation can ensure safe – and warm – winter travel in your EV.
Take Advantage of Exclusive AAA Member Deals NAPA Auto Parts stocks an assortment of EV-related products at AutoCare locations across the U.S. and online.
AAA’s Recommendation: Whether you own an electric vehicle or a gas-powered car is up to you – and you should consider lots of factors in making that choice. No matter what type of vehicle you’re choosing, we recommend visiting a dealership, test driving one, and asking as many questions as possible to make an informed decision.
