Why Does My EV Lose Range in the Winter?

Are you noticing a drop in how far you can drive already this holiday season in Metro Vancouver? If so, you’re not the only one. Many clean energy vehicle owners are asking the questions, “why does my EV lose range in the winter?”.

You might think it’s your mind playing tricks on you. Or perhaps you think that charging station is on the fritz. When in reality, most electric vehicles lose some of their range per charge when the cold weather hits.

Today’s blog post will answer this question, along with other range-related questions about EV vehicles and their overall performance in the winter weather. Our cold snap is just around the corner, so don’t miss today’s blog if you own an EV!

Why Is the Range Getting Shorter on My EV?

Electric vehicles lose range in cold weather because low temperatures affect both batteries and energy use. Lithium-ion batteries work best when warm, but cold slows the chemical reactions inside them, reducing how much energy they can deliver.

Cold air is also denser, increasing aerodynamic drag and making the car work harder. In addition, EVs must use electricity to heat the cabin and warm the battery, unlike gas cars that reuse engine heat.

These extra energy demands, combined with reduced battery efficiency, mean more power is used for the same trip, resulting in shorter driving range during winter driving conditions often.

Why Am I Using More Power on My EV in the Winter?

Not all of the range you’re losing on your EV this winter stems from the simple fluctuation or drop in temperature.

In fact, unpredictable road conditions place a part, where you’re driving, how much traffic you incur, and a whole host of other factors will add to the decrease in your EV’s range over the winter holidays.

Here are the main reasons EVs get shorter range in winter:

• Battery chemistry slows down in cold temperatures, reducing usable energy
• More energy is needed to heat the cabin, seats, and steering wheel
• Energy is used to warm the battery to its optimal operating temperature
• Cold air is denser, increasing aerodynamic drag
• Winter tires create more rolling resistance
• Snow and ice increase road resistance, requiring more power to move
• Heavier traffic due to people being on holidays and inbound visitors to BC
• Regenerative braking is reduced when the battery is cold
• Short trips are less efficient because the battery stays cold longer

As you can see, there are a variety of factors that will impact your ranger during the winter months, particularly the month of December when traffic is at an all-time high in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.

Ways to Improve Your EV’s Range in the Winter

Naturally, just as we like to save on gas mileage because of both cost and convenience, we also want to increase our range as much as possible.

Especially in the winter when we seem to consistently lose range on our EVs no matter how much or little we drive them.

Ways to Improve Your EV Range in the Winter Include:

1. Avoid Using Heat & Defrost Excessively

If your EV happens to have heated seats and/or steering wheel, it’s a great idea to rely on those for warmth instead of cranking the heat during cold weather.

You’ll need to use your defrost during Metro Vancouver winters to some degree, along with your cabin heater, but leaving them set to low while using heated seats will conserve energy.

Heated accessories like steering wheels and seats actually use much less power than your vehicle’s heating system. So, once you clear your windshield on start-up, turn the heat dial down to a lower temperature to improve your EV range this winter.

2. Drive As Steadily as Possible

You know that when you compress your gas pedal with force, that your gas mileage decreases. Well, the same principles apply when driving an EV.

The more you accelerate aggressively, or brake suddenly, the more power that is required to control the vehicle. And during colder weather, this will definitely be more prominent.

Try to avoid sudden stops, quick acceleration, and of course, using passing gear when on the highway. Additionally, try to keep your speed as consistent as possible when climbing hills.

3. Use the Right Tires with Proper Inflation

Just as summer tires are made to perform best in warmer weather, winter tires are designed to be most effective during colder temperatures.

Driving on winter tires that are properly inflated and in good condition will help improve your EV range, the same way it improves gas mileage on non-electric vehicles.

If you’re not sure if your tires are in good condition or appropriate for the conditions, visit our friends at Kal Tire in Vancouver to have a thorough inspection to ensure top EV performance this winter.

4. Use Eco Mode as Much as Possible

Eco mode is available on many newer vehicles as a way to improve gas mileage. However, it is also available on most EV’s as well.

Because whether you’re driving a gas-powered vehicle or an electric, conservation is always on the mind, regardless of what you’re conserving. And eco mode helps you to do just that.

If you’re thinking about making the switch from gas to electric, consider selling your car to Cash For Cars BC. We pay the MOST cash for cars regardless of age or condition. And our car buying services are available 7 days a week.

5. Keep Your Vehicle Fully Charged When Possible

Thanks to a great EV infrastructure throughout Metro Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, you will rarely be left without a place to charge your vehicle.

And keeping your vehicle on the charge no matter how long you’re staying at a destination will ensure you have the most range available at any given moment. Which is why we highly recommend charging your vehicle whenever you stop, even if it’s only for 15-20 minutes.

Short charges still increase your range. And when your range is limited due to cold weather, driving conditions, or where you’re driving, every kilometre counts.

EV Range Increasing Tips This Winter

As you can see, there is a lot you can do to increase the range that you get on your EV in colder weather. These are also great practices for all year round.

If you’re driving an older EV and notice that your range isn’t what it once was, or never was what you’d hope it would be, give us a call.

We love buying electrical and hybrid vehicles of every make, model, and year, no matter what age.

Cash for Cars Metro Vancouver

No matter what you’re selling, or why you’re selling it, Cash For Cars BC is here to make the process of selling a vehicle quick and easy.

We’ve been buying cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, hybrids, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles throughout Metro Vancouver since 1998. And we purchase vehicles from $100 – $100,000+, regardless of age or condition.

So, if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to sell your vehicle in Metro Vancouver, sell it to Cash For Cars BC. We handle all the paperwork, we come to you, and NOBODY Pays More!

Cash for Cars Fraser Valley

We buy vehicles of every make, model, and year, throughout the Fraser Valley as well.

Because although we are based out of Vancouver and do the majority of our business in Metro Vancouver, we also service all the way out to Hope.

Because no matter where your vehicle is located, we want to make the process of selling it quick and easy for our Fraser Valley customers as well. That’s just one more reason to choose Cash For Cars BC!

Cash for Cars Vancouver Island

Yes, we even come to Vancouver Island! In fact, we have a satellite office in Nanaimo to make selling your car in Victoria or Nanaimo that much easier.

And just like when we buy cars on the Mainland, our car buyers will always come to you. We’ll get some basic details over the phone about what you’re selling, then book a day and time that works best for you to see it in person.

The ease of selling your car to Cash For Cars BC on Vancouver Island is why we’ve been voted the #1 used car buying service here too!

How Much Can You Sell Your Car For?

We buy vehicles from $100 – $100,000+, from scrap cars to Supercars, we buy them ALL. No matter what you’re selling, or why you’re selling it, you’ll get a great price on it at Cash For Cars BC.

Provide our car buyers with the make, model, year, condition, mileage, and location of your vehicle. Also, let us know if it’s still under financing or within a lease. We are always happy to consider vehicles under contract.

Then, we’ll book an in-person appointment to assess your vehicle firsthand. After seeing your car in person, we’ll present you with an instant cash offer right on the spot. And NOBODY Pays More!

Contact Cash For Cars BC & Sell Your Car TODAY!

One of the things our customers love so much about our car buying services is the fact that we purchase vehicles in under 30 minutes on average.

Not only that, but we can usually accommodate same-day appointments, as many of our used car buyers live and work in the areas we service across the Lower Mainland. So, you can call today and sell your car TODAY.

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to sell your car, truck, SUV, van, hybrid, or commercial vehicle in British Columbia, sell it to Cash For Cars BC. Just give us a call or send us a text to get started. We handle all the paperwork, we come to you, and NOBODY Pays More!