How the Cold Can Impact Electric Vehicle Charging

Brrrrr!! You've likely seen stories about - or experienced firsthand - challenges related to charging your electric vehicle during these extreme cold temperatures. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to keep your ride charged and ready to power through this winter. 

Things to Know about EVs and Cold Weather

• Cold weather impacts EV battery performance – both the amount of charge the battery can hold AND the vehicle range.
• Cranking the heat up in an EV also impacts battery performance, reducing your range.
• The time it takes to charge your vehicle in cold weather will also be longer.
• How big is the impact on vehicle range (miles you can drive)? It depends on the EV make and model, but roughly 20% is the average.
• EVs are heavier than gas-powered vehicles, and cold weather can mean challenges keeping your tires inflated to the appropriate psi setting. 

So what can you do?

• Park your EV in a garage if possible.
• Pre-condition your vehicle before driving – that is, pre-heat the vehicle interior while your car is plugged in to a charger.
• Consider an insulated car cover if you can’t park indoors.
• Purchase an air compressor tire pump to have at home to reinflate tires to the recommended psi.
• Use the seat and steering wheel warmers and/or driver-only heat settings vs heating the entire interior of the vehicle.
• Check your owner’s manual to adjust the maximum charge setting if recommended (70-80% is common).