If you’re looking to avoid high gas prices and become more eco-friendly by making the switch to an electric vehicle (EV), you’re likely wondering how—or if—a battery-powered car can cope when the temperature drops.
How does an EV hold up in winter?
Many EVs offer all-wheel drive, which enables the vehicle to accelerate and grip the road better in snowy and slippery conditions. This allows them to handle Canada’s harshest winter weather.
“When it gets below -40°C, it’s dicey that your gas-powered car is going to even start, especially if you don’t have a block heater,” says Ryan Peterson, CAA’s manager of automotive services. “Your EV is going to start every single time.”
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What to expect if you switch to an EV in Alberta
Cold weather means shorter range
When it’s cold, EVs will lose some driving range. The colder it is, the less distance the vehicle will cover before its battery is depleted.
But every EV is different, according to the results of a 2021 report by Recurrent, a battery analysis firm.
The study tracked 7,000 electric vehicles, comparing each car’s estimated range at 21°C versus freezing (0°C). The Tesla Model 3 lost only one percent of its estimated range in freezing conditions. The Ford Mustang Mach-E lost 26 percent of its range, while the Jaguar I-Pace decreased by three percent. But keep in mind, these are estimates and results will vary based on a vehicle’s model and your charging habits and driving behaviour. More large-scale, real-world testing is needed.
How to extend your battery life
To maximize your EV’s distance in the winter, Peterson recommends looking for a model with a heat pump, which minimizes range loss in extreme temperatures.
Pre-heating the cabin and battery while the vehicle is plugged in, which you can often do remotely using the smartphone app for your car, will dramatically reduce range loss in the winter too.
Cold weather undoubtedly affects vehicle performance, no matter what you drive. Gasoline-powered cars don’t go as far on a full tank when it’s cold either. But we’re so accustomed to it most people don’t even notice because gas stations are easily accessible and it’s quick to refuel.
Check your owner’s manual for your manufacturer’s recommendations on maintaining your EV in the winter or speak to an AMA Auto expert for helpful advice on how you can get the most out of your new electric ride.
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Have more questions about electric vehicles? Learn more at ama.ab.ca/EV.