Electric Cars in Winter: Tips for Maximum Range

That batteries and subzero temperatures are not friends is no secret. However, this is no reason to forgo an electric car—not even in the notoriously cold Swiss winter. With a few tips and tricks, you can improve your EV’s range in winter and extend your battery’s lifespan. At CARIFY, we’ll show you how.

Optimizing EV Range in Winter

The fact is: electric cars consume more power in winter. A 10–30% increase in consumption makes a noticeable difference on long journeys. On short trips, it can even be up to 50% more if it's extremely cold outside. Despite this, EVs are very popular in Scandinavia—a region also known for its cold and snowy winters. Our Nordic neighbors use a few tricks to extend their EV range in freezing conditions. We’ve done the research for you.

Factors Affecting Range

Unlike diesel vehicles, EVs usually start effortlessly in the cold. However, that doesn’t mean subzero temperatures don’t affect them. Performance is reduced until the battery reaches its optimal operating temperature (20–40°C). Here are the main factors that influence range in winter:

• The electrochemical processes inside the battery slow down due to increased electrolyte viscosity and lower cell voltage in the cold.

• Vehicles require more energy for heating and lighting.

• Winter tires need good traction, which increases rolling resistance and energy consumption by 5–10%.

• Short trips with long breaks in between mean that the cabin and battery have to be reheated repeatedly, consuming a lot of energy.

The good news is: modern batteries come with advanced power electronics that optimize energy usage. Many EVs also feature heat pumps, which improve range by using ambient air for heating. Thanks to these technologies, electric vehicles have such a high range that winter energy loss is manageable in practice. Only the electricity cost per kilometer increases slightly.

However, energy loss can be problematic for plug-in hybrids if the battery can no longer handle the daily commute without the combustion engine's help. By the way, gasoline and diesel cars also consume significantly more fuel in winter—about 15% and 25% more, respectively.

Preheating While Charging

If your EV has to park outside in the cold, the battery will struggle. A garage is always the better option. If possible, preheat your EV for about 15 minutes while charging before your trip (using a timer, for example). This compensates for energy loss and saves you from scraping ice. Heating the vehicle from cold takes much more energy than maintaining a stable temperature—and preheating draws power from the home charging station, not the battery.

Good to know: Parking in the sun can help warm the cabin slightly.

Efficient Heating Use

A battery heater can increase battery capacity in winter, but it also consumes energy—and not all EVs have one. That’s why it’s important to know the biggest energy drains in winter and use heating efficiently. The blower consumes between 2–5 kW, making it a true power guzzler. Much more energy-efficient are the steering wheel and seat heaters, which only consume about 150 W. The front windshield heater is also economical. Reducing the cabin temperature to 17–18°C further conserves energy, and you won’t freeze in warm winter clothing.

Optimal Charging in Cold Weather

The factors that reduce battery performance in cold weather also affect charging speed. Here are the key points:

Correct Charging Speed in Winter

The battery management system limits power intake until the battery reaches operating temperature to prevent cell damage. What does this mean?

• In severe frost, plan for about 10–15% more charging time.

• Fast charging in freezing conditions without prior warming damages the battery.

Battery Maintenance in Frost

It’s not a good idea to let your EV battery drain too low in winter. In warm conditions, keeping the charge between 20–80% is ideal. In freezing temperatures, maintaining a charge between 40–80% helps extend battery life.

Worried about how winter will impact your battery’s lifespan? No need! In fact, the moderate-to-cold Swiss climate is actually beneficial for battery longevity, while hot climates put more stress on battery chemistry.

Overnight Charging vs. Fast Charging

Fast charging a cold battery can damage its cells. However, you don’t have to completely avoid it—just warm the battery to around 20°C beforehand. This can be done by driving a few kilometers or using a battery heater.

As a general rule, slow charging as often as possible helps prolong battery life.

Winter Driving Tips

EVs are heavier than combustion-engine vehicles due to their batteries and have a lower center of gravity. This can actually be an advantage in winter. EVs have good road grip and high driving stability, which helps on icy, slippery roads. Another benefit is electronic traction control (ASR), which optimizes torque usage. This allows for better acceleration on slick roads and more stable cornering.

Using Eco Mode Correctly

Eco mode optimizes energy consumption across all vehicle systems. This significantly improves range in winter. It also prevents wheels from spinning too fast when starting.

Optimal Use of Regenerative Braking

EVs recover braking energy through regenerative braking, which is especially useful in stop-and-go traffic. However, be cautious on icy roads. If available, use snow or winter mode. Otherwise, set regeneration to a low level or ease off the pedal gently.

Speed and Range

Your driving style affects your EV’s range in winter. On highways, an average speed of 110 km/h is considered most efficient. The lower air resistance at this speed reduces energy consumption compared to driving at 120 km/h.

Practical Winter Preparation

Unlike combustion-engine cars, EVs can be preheated in winter—so you can leave the ice scraper in the glove compartment. However, it’s still a good idea to keep some essential winter equipment in your car.

Winter Checklist for Maximizing EV Range and Battery Life

• Preheat while charging

• Use seat and steering wheel heaters instead of the blower and A/C

• Save heating energy with a heat pump

• Use Eco mode

• Charge a pre-warmed battery

• Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible

Recommended Winter Equipment

Choose winter tires with small rims and diameters or winter tires optimized for EVs. Their lower weight and reduced rolling resistance save about 6% energy. Also, mix antifreeze into the cooling water for the electric motor and windshield washer fluid. In Switzerland, snow chains are mandatory on certain roads in snowy conditions, so be sure to carry them in winter.

Emergency Equipment for EVs in Winter

Be prepared for winter driving by keeping the following emergency supplies in your car:

• Warning triangle and safety vest

• First aid kit

• Blanket or sleeping bag

• Flashlight and power bank

• Snacks and drinks

• Ice scraper and door lock de-icer

• Jumper cables

• Shovel

This way, you’ll have everything essential in case you get stuck or stranded.

FAQs

How do EVs perform in winter?
EV drivers need to consider the following in winter:

• Range: Increased use of heating and lights, along with reduced battery efficiency, decreases range by 20–40% in cold weather.

• Battery Heating: Many EVs use battery heaters to warm the battery to its optimal temperature, improving winter range.

• Heating: Air conditioning and blowers consume significantly more energy than seat and steering wheel heaters.

• Charging: Cold batteries take longer to charge. It’s best to charge the battery right after driving while it’s still warm to extend its lifespan.

• Preheating While Charging: Using an app to preheat the car 15 minutes before departure draws power from the charging station instead of the battery.

• Tires: Special winter tires for EVs improve efficiency and traction.

Which Electric Car Is Best for Winter?

The best electric car for your mobility needs depends on factors like range, space, and features. Here are some of our top picks:

• Audi e-tron: All-wheel drive and a comfortable interior.

• Volkswagen ID.4: Good range and features for various weather conditions.

• Ford Mustang Mach-E: All-wheel drive and strong winter performance.

Are Short Trips Harmful for Electric Cars?

Even for EVs, efficiency is highest on long trips. In cold temperatures, vehicles consume a lot of energy to bring the battery to its optimal operating temperature. While EVs recover energy when braking, frequent stop-and-go driving causes increased wear on the brakes.

What Temperatures Can Electric Cars Handle?

Electric cars can generally be driven in a temperature range of -20 to +50°C. However, extreme cold or heat can impact vehicle performance and range.

• Cold temperatures reduce battery efficiency and increase energy consumption, leading to a shorter range.

• High temperatures can affect battery lifespan.