As temperatures drop in the UK, electric vehicle (EV) owners often notice a decline in their car’s range. Cold weather impacts battery efficiency, but with the right strategies, you can maximise your EV’s performance and reduce range anxiety during winter.
Considering buying a tesla? Telsa has a special offer of up to £1000 a new Tesla: Tesla.com (Referral Code)
Why Does Cold Weather Reduce EV Range?
In lower temperatures, lithium-ion batteries operate less efficiently, leading to:
- Reduced energy output due to slower chemical reactions.
- Higher energy consumption from heating systems for both the cabin and battery.
- Increased rolling resistance from cold tyres, affecting efficiency.
However, there are several ways to combat these issues and keep your EV running efficiently through the winter months.
Key Tips to Improve Winter EV Range
1. Keep Your Car Warm Overnight
One of the most effective ways to preserve battery efficiency is preventing your EV from getting too cold.
- Use a garage if available – Keeping your car indoors reduces exposure to freezing temperatures.
- Innovative Covers – Some drivers, like one of Driver Matty’s friends, have found success using a pool cover over their car at night. Pool covers are designed to trap heat, and Ayzee has noticed a significant improvement in range when doing airport transfers across the country compared to when he leaves his car uncovered.
2. Precondition Your Battery
Most modern EVs come with a preconditioning feature, allowing you to warm up the battery and cabin while the car is still plugged in. This ensures:
- The battery reaches an optimal temperature before driving.
- Less energy is used for heating once on the road.
Using scheduled preconditioning before morning departures can improve efficiency and range.
3. Charge Smartly & Keep the Battery Topped Up
- Avoid letting your battery drop too low – Batteries lose charge faster in cold conditions.
- Charge to 80% instead of 100% overnight – Lithium-ion batteries operate most efficiently between 20-80% charge.
- Use fast charging strategically – If stopping at a rapid charger, warm up the battery first (by using preconditioning or driving for a while) to speed up charging times.
4. Drive Efficiently
- Use eco-driving techniques: Gentle acceleration, regenerative braking, and steady speeds will help conserve battery life.
- Limit unnecessary heating: Use heated seats and steering wheels rather than blasting cabin heat, which drains the battery faster.
- Reduce drag: Removing roof racks and keeping tyre pressure optimised will further improve efficiency.
Conclusion: Small Changes Make a Big Difference
Maximising EV range in cold weather requires a mix of preparation and smart driving habits. Simple steps like keeping your car warm overnight—whether in a garage or using an insulating cover—can make a noticeable difference in winter driving performance.
For those who rely on their EV for long-distance driving, such as taxi drivers and airport transfer specialists, these techniques can help maintain efficiency and reduce charging stops. As more drivers adapt their habits for colder months, the benefits of electric cars remain strong, even in winter.
