Winter Can Wreck Your EV’s Range — But It Doesn’t Have To
- Keep Your EV Out of the Cold (When You Can)
Even an unheated garage is better than the open air. Shelter keeps the battery warmer, which helps preserve range and reduces how much energy your car needs to get moving in the morning.
- Precondition Before You Drive or Plug In
Warm your battery and cabin while your EV is still plugged in. This reduces strain on the battery during your drive and improves regenerative braking performance. Think of it like warming up before a workout.
- Start the Day With a Full Charge
Cold temps drain batteries faster. Overnight charging ensures you leave home with a full tank of electrons—and peace of mind.
- Switch to Eco Mode and Watch the Heat
Eco Mode helps stretch your range by cutting excess power use. Also, turn the cabin temp down a bit and rely on heated seats and steering wheels—they use less energy but keep you just as warm.
- Winter-Proof Your Driving Habits
Remove unnecessary cargo, check tire pressure, drive smoothly, and avoid sudden stops or starts. These simple steps help any car in winter—especially EVs.
- Scope Out Charging Stops in Advance
Winter travel means busier charging stations and slower charge times. Plan your route with high-capacity or multi-port stations to avoid long waits.
- Pack a Cold-Weather Emergency Kit
Long trips? Bring the essentials: warm clothes, gloves, a blanket, snacks, water, a phone charger, and a snow shovel. Better to have it and not need it.
- Charge Fully Before a Storm Hits
If a blizzard or power outage is on the way, plug in and top off early. A full battery gives you more flexibility—and more options—if plans change fast.
- Use Scheduled Departure for Maximum Efficiency
Most EVs let you schedule when you plan to leave. Doing this automatically triggers preconditioning and ensures your car is warm and ready right when you need it—without wasting battery power once you hit the road.
- Monitor Energy Usage in Real Time
Use your EV’s built-in energy monitor or app to track how different features impact your range. Seeing which systems use the most power can help you make smarter adjustments on the fly—especially during longer drives.
