Winter is coming can my EV warm itself up before I get in it?
Yes. The ability to warm up your car before you get in is a boon, making driving more comfortable in the cold months and, crucially, ensuring that you can drive as far as possible, given that range significantly drops in bitter weather. This 'pre-conditioning' feature is available via an app developed by your carmaker, which allows you to activate pre-heating (or pre-cooling) while the car is plugged in. As with most EVs, you set it up on the infotainment screen. In colder temperatures, it might take half an hour or more, so it's good to action it before you sit down for your Weetabix.
Why dos an EV do fewer miles in cold weather?
The majority of EVs are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which are sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Colder batteries have a smaller capacity than warm ones, which means they can't hold as much charge at cooler temperatures. That's because the cold slows down a chemical reaction in the lithium-ion, which generates power. This reduced battery life ultimately means less range, which is why hacks such as pre-heating are crucial to getting the most from your EV during winter.
Plus, the use of heaters, headlights and other electrical systems – all used more during the darker months – negatively impact battery life. This is very different to petrol or diesel vehicles. While fuel economy does worsen in winter – owing to factors such as engines working best in moderate climates and poorer aerodynamics in cold air - it does not have the same unwanted impact as an EV's battery depletion.
How can I make charging my EV easier in cold weather?
There are several things you can do to make charging your EV easier in colder months. If you can, charge your EV inside a garage or sheltered charge point. This will ensure the car remains warmer and will not require as much energy to reheat. It will also mean the battery charges quicker. Pre-heating is the big one in terms of starting your day in a warm car with a full charge. You could also consider using heated seats and steering wheels, rather than the main heaters, as the former uses less energy.
Tyre pressure, if too low, can also impact an EV's performance. Unsurprisingly, you will get more range if you drive more efficiently. Most EVs have an eco-mode that typically gives you a little less power but boosts range, which can be really helpful in winter.
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