What to Know About Charging Electric Cars in Cold Weather

As temperatures drop during winter, electric vehicle (EV) owners may wonder how the cold weather can impact their charging experience. Transitioning to electric transportation is a big step and if you are living somewhere where you experience colder climates, it's common to question if this weather will affect your EV charging. In this article, we address:

Do EV’s Charge Slower in Cold Weather?

No. One common misconception is that EVs will charge slower in cold weather. While it's true that extreme temperatures can affect the batteries performance, modern EVs are equipped with battery management systems to mitigate these issues and concerns. A recent study conducted by Recurrent shows that after testing more than 200,000 fast-charging sessions, only 9 minutes on average may be added when charging colder temperatures. Charging times may be affected due to lower battery efficiency, but the impact is minimal and most EV owners don’t notice a difference.
Learn more about What EV Chargers are Fastest and How to Charge Your EV Faster.

Does Cold Weather Decrease EV Range? 

Sometimes! Batteries are less efficient in low temperatures, leading to a reduction in overall range. The extent varies among different EV models and battery types which is why it can be crucial to invest in newer model charging stations. However, advancements in battery technology and thermal management systems have significantly improved performance when fighting low temperatures, making EVs more resilient in diverse climates.                  

Tips for Optimizing Your EV Charging During Winter

When facing colder weather, there are a few things that you can do to optimize your EV charging performance during winter. These efforts include:

• Preconditioning
  Start the charging process with a preconditioning feature if your EV supports it. This will either cool or in this case, warm up the battery before charging, improving its efficiency in cold weather.
• Scheduled Charging
  Take advantage of your EV's scheduled charging feature. Plan charging sessions during warmer parts of the day to optimize battery performance.
• Maintaining Battery Health
  As cold weather can affect battery life, regularly maintaining your EV's battery by keeping it charged between 20% and 80% will make a difference.
• Use Covered Parking
  Whenever possible, park your EV in a garage to shield it from extreme cold. This not only helps maintain a more comfortable temperature for the battery but also reduces the need for extensive warming during charging.

Related Article: EV Charger Maintenance Guide

Navigating EV Charging in Cold Weather

While cold weather does present some challenges for EV charging, they are minimal and advancements in technology can significantly reduce these issues. By incorporating these tips into your EV winter routine, you can ensure a more efficient and reliable EV charging experience even in the coldest climates. Embrace the convenience of electric driving year-round and enjoy the benefits of a sustainable transportation solution, regardless of the weather outside.