Of course electric cars are all in vogue, to be fair, who doesn't want to be seen cruising in the latest Tesla Model S, or a Genesis all-electric SUV? That being said, any technology, especially disruptive technology, always throws up specific kinks or bugs that need to be ironed out in the first decade or so of production.

Updated February 2023: We've updated this article with a few EV winter driving tips to help you get the best out of your electric car, to help battle some of the downsides of driving an EV in cold weather.

Electric cars are no different, and to be fair, they have seamlessly integrated into our highways and popular culture even faster than we could have ever envisaged. Now that they are more on the road than ever, many EV users living in colder climates are starting to grumble about the battery in inclement weather and how manufacturers need to consider this for future iterations.

To be fair, most EVs have made dramatic strides to improve their range in general, particularly during the winter months. This will continue to improve as manufacturers, such as Ford, continue to prioritize electric vehicle production for 2024.

Related: 10 Little-Known Facts About Driving Electric Cars In Winter

How Much Range Does An EV Lose In Winter?

White Jaguar Pace
Shutterstock

Most car enthusiasts would be aware that an EV won’t do as many miles in the winter as it would cruising down Route 66 with the roof down, or even driving around town. But one may not be aware that on top of the reduced range, you will have to take special steps while even charging your EV. Not just that, how does an unsuspecting driver know how much an EV's cold weather driving range will actually be?

Some manufacturers, like Jaguar, provide a calculator that estimates the driving range for its EVs in various driving conditions, including when temperatures plummet. It is also imperative for the driver to realize that the larger the battery size, the more significant the drop-off in range and performance when temperatures plunge. Going by some EV winter tests, an electric car can lose up to 40 percent of range with the heater turned all the way up. Though, with careful use of the heater, that figure can be closer to a 12-20 percent reduction versus the EPA-estimated range in cold weather.

Related: These Affordable EVs Have The Longest Range For A City Lifestyle

Why Are Electric Cars Bad In Winter?

Two Tesla's Charging
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It is a well-known fact that colder weather restricts EV battery range, and deterioration in performance can be significant. Cars fitted with an auxiliary heat pump tend to fare much better and provide less drop-off in range. This is a worthwhile point to recall the next time you visit your nearest EV dealership. If you have recently purchased an EV, it should be equipped with an efficient thermal management system.

Preconditioning is available as standard in a lot of the latest EVs, but if this option is not available to you, then simple tricks such as: defrosting the windows help, as does running the car and switching on the heated seats for a few minutes before you and your family leave the house. All these little extras do not seem like they will make a difference, but they will assist in keeping the battery warm which will prolong the range and performance of the EV in the cold.

Related: Warming Up Your Electric Car In Winter: Everything You Need To Know

Does Cold Weather Affect Charging An EV?Man charging electric car in the snow

A drop in temperature will, of course, affect charging speeds, and it is sensible to allocate extra time for charging or, if using a public charging point, plan to arrive a little earlier to avoid any unnecessary delays to your journey time.

It is also important to utilize the correct driving mode, which is even more imperative when driving an EV during the winter months. Most EVs offer a plethora of driving modes, but the majority will have the core modes of normal, eco, or sport. Choosing a suitable mode can significantly prolong your range in the winter months. This may require a little trial and error, but the time spent will definitely pay dividends, especially when the temperature dial dips below freezing.

Related: Ford Reveals Steps To Squeeze The Most Range From Electric Vehicles In Harsh Winters

How To Live With An Electric Car In Cold Climates

Black 2023 Tesla Model 3 Performance on the road
Tesla

The good news is that it is not all doom and gloom if you currently own an EV and still have a few months left of inclement weather. EVs can provide better handling and traction when compared to gasoline models because the battery is placed lower to the ground in EV vehicles to keep the center of gravity low.

Modern EVs also tend to come with all-wheel drive, and advanced traction control systems to maximize the grip available on slick roads. Since electric torque is instant, with computers managing how much is available at any given time, there's less chance of accidentally spinning the wheels when you put your foot down on the gas pedal.

Remember to adjust the level of regenerative braking, if your EV allows you to select it, to suit the conditions at hand and recover vital charge through braking. That, along with the right heater practices can keep you rolling in your EV all through the winter months, without range anxiety rearing its ugly head.

Two other options are that you can stare out the window at your immaculate EV in the driveway and decide it simply isn't worth the office commute in treacherous conditions. Perhaps your boss may let you work from home more often since you own an EV, and it is below freezing outside.

If this option doesn't work for you or the EV, then you can contemplate moving to a warmer climate in the winter months and enjoy driving your superb EV while having the sun on your back and your favorite Beach Boys song playing on the infotainment system.