Does Cold Weather Affect EV Batteries?

Do you drive an electric vehicle (EV) in North Pole? Are you looking to purchase an EV in the near future and looking for additional information? Either way, you’ve come to the right place! We’ll talk about cold weather and EV batteries so you can have a better understanding of how they interact, especially during colder months. In simple terms, cold weather does have an effect on EV batteries, but how? Learn more about the impacts of cold weather on EV batteries with Chevrolet Of Fairbanks below! If you have more questions, feel free to contact our service department. 

Cold Weather and EV Batteries

During cold weather in Fort Wainwright, when temperatures fall below 20 degrees, it can reduce the EV’s range by 41% when you have the heat on full blast. Using the defroster and seat warmers also contribute to this reduced range. If you use your EV’s heater while driving in cold temperatures, it takes up additional charge that isn’t typically used in warmer months. Without heating your car, you reduce the range only by 12%. If you’re looking to maintain as much charge as possible during the winter time, consider wearing additional layers and parking your car in the garage so you won’t have to completely rely on the heat to warm up the interior of the vehicle. 

Additional Impacts

Range is not the only thing affected by cold weather. It can also limit an EV’s regenerative braking function. This function retains the energy that is typically lost during decelerating or stopping and sends it back to the battery to be reused. Make sure to monitor your tire pressure because cold weather can cause a change in pressure as well. 

Preventing Range Loss

Now that you know how cold weather affects EV batteries, how do you prevent extreme implications? There are several things you can do to make sure you have smooth drives through Fort Wainwright roads without having to be cold in the car. We compiled a short list of solutions below: 

• Park your car in the garage
• Charge your vehicle while heating your car prior to driving
• Keep at least 20% charge at all times
• Utilize pre-conditioning feature
• Know where public charging stations are located

Experience EVs at Chevrolet Of Fairbanks Today!

While EVs may present initial challenges, there are simple and conventional solutions you can implement to not disrupt your Eielson Airforce Base lifestyle. View our new vehicle specials to see what’s available before purchasing and apply for financing today!