Follow a new report from battery analysis company Recurrent.
Range decline is an inevitable result of cold temperatures for two reasons, Recurrent notes. Cold temperatures slow down the chemical reactions in the battery cells, and since they have no motor to generate heat, electric vehicles must use additional battery power to warm their cabins. Also, there can be big differences between models.
An important factor is the availability of a heat pump, which can warm the interior without using a lot of energy from the battery pack. Recurrent data shows that heat-pump-equipped Audi E-Trons and Jaguar I-Paces typically retain most of their EPA rating ranges in the winter.
EV winter range loss graph from Recurrent
Some electric vehicles also have active thermal management systems that can keep the battery pack warm in cold weather, but these systems can also drain energy. The Chevrolet Bolt EV owner’s manual recommends plugging in the vehicle when it’s very cold or hot to avoid this, Recurrent notes. The company also makes similar recommendations to Tesla drivers, as these vehicles have particularly aggressive thermal management systems.
To maintain as much range as possible in winter, Recurrent also recommends pre-conditioning the climate control system and battery pack (if your car has that capability) and using the steering wheel or seats. heating instead of climate control to reduce energy requirements.
It’s also worth considering aspects other than scope, Recurrent notes. The company notes that electric vehicles won’t fast-charge in cold weather and may reduce regenerative braking levels for better control on slippery roads.
Porsche Ice Force Pro – Taycan Turbo WILL
Recurrent specializes in battery status report for EVs, with the aim of helping to stabilize the used electric vehicle market. That market was quite unstable, in part because of concerns about battery degradation and cold weather range.
As noted above, Heat pump is a significant addition for anyone who wants to cover long distances in a tram in winter and stay warm. Traction and ground clearance are of course other priorities for winter driving, as well as a feature set that includes items like a heated steering wheel, heated seats and other amenities that can make you use a little less cabin heat.
A Norwegian test in 2020 also emphasizes that the useful, predictable range of when the battery is running low is also important for drivers to know their location in real time.
