Do Electric Vehicles Struggle in the Winter? Here’s What the Experts Say
It’s easy to believe everything you hear, especially when it comes to new technologies. A common misconception about electric vehicles (EVs) is that they become unreliable in cold weather. While some people think that EVs shut down completely in the cold, this simply isn’t true.
EV battery performance does decrease when the temperature drops, but the vehicles still function. The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) has tested this and disproved that notion. During sub-zero tests, no EVs were rendered unusable.
“For local driving, range loss [is] not a problem.” — Comment from user
According to the testing, the best-performing vehicles, including the Silverado EV and the Polestar 2, lost only 14% of their range, while the worst-performing lost 39%. The report also explained that many vehicles could quickly recover considerable range with just 15 minutes of charging.
So, what does this mean for EV drivers? The cold does impact EVs, but the effects depend on the car. Overall, the impact isn’t as drastic as many people think.
CleanTechnica reported that, to help drivers make informed decisions, the CAA suggests that automakers share winter range estimates alongside year-round averages. The CAA also offered some recommendations to limit EV exposure in the cold. These include removing snow and ice while charging, using heated seats rather than the vents, and parking indoors when possible.
Even in cold climates like Canada, EVs can be a wise choice. Minor range discrepancies pale in comparison to the benefits of not using gasoline. In addition, maintaining internal combustion engine cars can be expensive, and those cars also struggle in the cold. Also, when comparing the environmental impacts, a Tesla Model 3 needs only 13,500 miles to have a less negative environmental impact than a gas-guzzling Toyota Corolla, according to a Reuters report.
Plus, EV battery technologies are constantly improving. This means that it’s becoming easier and easier to save money – and further warming of the planet – with your choice of car.
CAA National’s vice president for public affairs, Ian Jack, said that the CAA is responding to Canadians’ top concerns regarding EVs. He further stated that these insights are essential for current EV owners and those planning to switch.
