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Like us, EV batteries have a few quirks when the temperature drops. That’s okay — there’s plenty you can do to make sure your EV starts up smoothly.
Even when it’s freezing outside. Here are some tips on starting, running and maintaining your EV in cold weather.
From ensuring your battery doesn’t hit the snooze button to maximising range on frosty mornings, we’ve got the inside scoop on getting your EV to perform like a champ, no matter how chilly it gets.
If you have a garage, now’s the time to clear out those old boxes and donate that unused wardrobe—your EV needs the space this winter. Parking in a garage helps your electric car battery life by keeping it warmer and improving its charge retention.
No garage? No problem. A high-quality vehicle cover can insulate your car and keep it cosy. It won’t keep your vehicle as warm as a garage, but it will at least help reduce the amount of cold air your EV battery is exposed to, which means less energy wasted on heating your car in the morning.
Even getting your EV out of the wind and snow can make a huge difference.
You can charge at home with a regular 120V outlet (Level 1), but don’t expect it to be a speedster — it’s pretty slow. Want to kick it up a notch? Install a 240V outlet (Level 2), the same kind you’d use for your dryer. It’s way quicker, usually fully charging your car in just a few hours. That’s why so many EV owners go for the Level 2 setup —it’s super convenient and gets you back on the road in no time.
Just like you warm up with a cup of tea, your EV battery needs a little warming up, too. Pre-conditioning heats the battery and cabin while your car’s still plugged in, so it’s all set to go on those chilly mornings. This helps save battery by keeping the heat just right. It also warms the cabin and defrosts the windshield — a total win-win.
FordPass App
Most EVs, like the All-Electric Ford Explorer and Capri, let you pre-condition your car through the FordPass app. It’s like having a personal assistant for your car. The app connects your EV to all sorts of cool features and sends health alerts straight to your phone to keep everything running smoothly.
Need to grab a bite, fuel up, or find parking? The app’s got you covered with easy access to nearby restaurants, cafes, petrol stations, and parking spots. You can set it up while lounging in bed with your coffee so your car is ready when you step outside.
In the cold, your EV battery can lose charge faster than usual, so it’s important to keep it topped off whenever you can. A fully charged battery means you have more range to play with, and you won’t be left stranded with a low charge on a cold morning.
Keep your battery between 20% and 80%[i] for the best results. Avoid letting your battery dip too low, as a near-empty battery in freezing temps can cause its performance to drop even faster. Plus, an extra charge means extra range, which is good when dealing with those cold mornings.
As the temperature drops, your tyre pressure can drop, too, leading to more rolling resistance and a lower EV battery range. Ensure you check your tyres every month (including pressure and tread depth), significantly when the weather changes with the seasons. Keeping an eye on them can help you save some more power
Another way to protect your electric car in a cold snap is to get winter tyres. Even with a four-wheel drive, EVs can still skid, but winter tyres are designed with extra grooves to give you better traction on snow and ice, helping your EV grip the road and preserve that precious battery range.
Like a petrol car, your EV needs routine checks, especially in winter. Get a pro to inspect your battery, check the charging system, and ensure everything works smoothly.
Winter driving means you’ll need to be extra cautious, but it’s also an opportunity to save battery.
Driving slower means your EV doesn’t have to work as hard, especially if you’re using regenerative braking. The slower you go, the less energy you burn, which can help make your charge last longer in the cold.
If your EV has this, make the most of it. Regenerative braking turns kinetic energy into electrical energy and feeds it back into your EV battery, giving it a little boost while you brake. It’s like your battery gets a bonus every time you stop.
In cold weather, regenerative braking can also help with energy efficiency, especially when driving on icy or snowy roads. Plus, it gives you that extra range when you need it most.
Eco-mode is an excellent winter feature for electric and hybrid cars. It helps you drive slower, extends your EV battery range, and saves money. It reduces power to the motor and cabin heaters, boosting mileage. It slows acceleration, too, preventing wheel spin on icy roads, conserving battery and keeping you safe.
Avoid sudden acceleration, braking, and excessive speeds, which impact your EV range and are key for safe driving in bad weather. In winter, drive carefully and minimise cabin energy use to boost range and efficiency, especially in the cold.
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of tips and tricks, let’s talk about why cold weather is an issue for your EV battery. As with all batteries — whether your phone, laptop, or electric vehicle — temperature plays a key role in its performance. And, unfortunately, EV batteries don’t love the cold.
When temps drop, several things can impact your electric car battery life.
Slower Chemical Reactions: Lithium-ion batteries in EVs store and release energy through chemical reactions. When it’s cold, these reactions slow down, reducing the battery's performance. At temperatures around 0°C [i](32°F), a lithium-ion battery can lose up to 20-30% of its capacity. In more extreme cold, performance can drop by 50%. So, you’ll probably notice your car feeling sluggish in low temperatures.
Increased Energy Demand: When it’s cold, your EV uses more energy to heat the cabin, defrost the windshield, and power systems like heating, lights, and infotainment. This extra energy use and reduced battery efficiency can cut your driving range by 20-30%[ii] and drain the battery faster, so you’ll likely need to charge more often, possibly every 2-3 days instead of the usual 3-5.
Battery Efficiency: Cold weather can make your EV battery less efficient, so even if it’s fully charged, you might see a range reduction of 10-30%[iii]. For instance, if you usually get 250 miles on a full charge, you might only get around 175-200 miles in winter.
Winter doesn’t have to be a nightmare for your EV battery. You can keep your electric ride running smoothly, no matter how cold it gets outside, by taking a few simple steps — parking inside, using a battery warmer, preconditioning your car, and keeping your battery topped off. Remember, EV batteries may be a little picky about the cold, but with the proper care, you can enjoy all the benefits of driving electric all year around.
References:
All-Electric Ford Explorer
All-Electric Ford Capri
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Everything you need to know about servicing EVs
Charging your Electric Car
TrustFord | Banish Those Winter Worries