Troubleshooter: Maximizing your EV’s cold-weather range

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Through the first six months of 2022, electric vehicles made up 7.2% of all new vehicles sold in Canada. The federal government continues to promise more legislation to boost those numbers, and currently they’re still stating that they want EVs to be the only light-vehicle choice by 2035. Whether that comes to pass is up for debate, but as battery-electric vehicle (EV) sales continue to climb, ever more new drivers are learning that they must adjust their commuting habits to keep the ranges practical.

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Most Canadian winter drivers will know that our frigid temperatures can reduce a battery’s ability to provide power. This is true whether you’re talking about the traditional lead-acid design or the latest in lithium-ion technology. In the case of EVs, cold temperatures increase the internal resistance of lithium-ion batteries, effectively burning up energy before it even makes it out of the pack. Still, I’ve spoken with experienced EV owners at a number of sustainability fairs and expos who swear that even the early models they drive only see about a 15% drop in range in the coldest stretches of January and February. That seems a little optimistic, but there are a few tips that can help you to stretch your charge.

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Preheating

Preheat your EV. HVAC is one of the largest draws of battery power on an EV, so be sure to take advantage of the vehicle’s ability to pre-warm the interior and defrost the windows while plugged into the charger. Many models enable you to schedule or start this process from the comfort of your home with the use of a smartphone app.

If you’re heading out on a particularly frosty day, dress accordingly so that you can turn the HVAC temperature and fan settings down low — ideally just enough to keep the windows clear. For a bonus, remember that seat heaters are typically more efficient than the cabin heater, drawing less energy and putting more of it directly into your core.

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Acceleration

Lighten up on the right foot. The load of harsh acceleration and the drag of higher speeds drain EV batteries quickly. As it is, EVs are known for their instant application of power, so punching such a snappy pedal on frosty winter roads isn’t a great idea for safety in the first place.

Keeping your cruising speed down to the limit will also bring longer range rewards. The US EPA states that your EV can use 14% less energy with a 15 km/h decrease in speed.

Charge scheduling

Schedule your EV charging. While certified EV chargers are safe to leave plugged in overnight or for prolonged periods, EV batteries can discharge slightly after the charge station turns off. It’s usually a very minimal amount, but it’s easy to schedule your recharging to complete just before you head out in the morning. You can also use this to ensure that you’re charging during off-peak electricity rates if your area has them.

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Regeneration

Get the most out of regeneration. Like gas-electric hybrids, EVs incorportate electrical regeneration systems as part of braking. When you’re coasting without your foot on the accelerator, power is being captured and fed back into the battery. Some models have a control to let you maximize this function. Use it to your benefit — especially when travelling in stop and start traffic.

Further recommendations are largely similar between gasoline and battery-powered rides: remove unnecessary weight, minimize wind drag by removing roof racks when not in use, and keep your tire pressures to the specification listed in your driver’s doorsill or behind the charge door.