How Are Electric Cars in Cold Weather?

We get chilly winters here in DE. As a driver or car shopper in Newark, you’re interested in buying an electric vehicle at Land Rover Wilmington. We have some mild hybrids and plug-hybrids (PHEVs) on our lot thanks to some Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models. Land Rover will eventually have a full Range Rover EV sometime in the 2025 model year.

Before you decide to invest in an EV from our dealership in Wilmington, you need to know about the performance of electric cars in winter. While they are still excellent vehicles to own, you need all of the facts so you can make an informed decision. Discover more with our guide about electric vehicles in cold weather. We’ll also answer, “Do electric cars lose charge when parked?”

Electric Cars in Winter: Do They Lose Range?

When the temperatures turn frigid, electric cars in cold climates require additional energy to move the car and heat up the cabin. The ideal temperature range for an EV battery’s operation is 60 to 80 degrees. If the temperature is around 20 degrees Fahrenheit, it could lose 10 to 12 percent of its range on the temperature alone without extra heat in the cabin.

Studies have shown that constantly using your heater to stay warm inside could lower the battery range by around 41 percent. Further, batteries on electric cars in cold climates can use around 20 percent of their power just to warm up the battery itself to make sure your EV runs properly with the right speed and acceleration.

Do Electric Cars Lose Charge When Parked?

The answer to this is that it depends. If the battery is in warmer climates, it might lose charge when it’s parked. However, electric cars in cold climates have additional challenges of heating up enough when it’s too cold. If you allow your EV to heat up the cabin while it’s parked, then, yes, it will lose charge. But not because it’s just sitting there. 

Do electric cars lose charge when parked? Yes, if the temperatures are cold enough. Keep your car parked in a garage throughout the colder months if possible, so it takes less power to start your car. Your garage at home is ideal overnight. If you have a parking garage at work in Middletown, utilize that if you can.

Tips to Maximize Performance of Electric Vehicles in Cold Weather

We understand that electric cars in winter have unique challenges. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get the most out of your new vehicle purchase in Wilmington. That’s why we’ve got some tips on how to conserve your EV battery’s power when frigid temperatures set in. Electric vehicles in cold weather can still deliver for you on every drive!

1. Set a charging time for your vehicle using your mobile app.
2. Slow down. Use one-pedal driving as much as you can, meaning use only the accelerator to stop and slow down. Just ease up on the pedal to slow your speed. You’ll reduce the amount of power the battery uses as you drive and brake by using just one pedal.
3. Preheat your vehicle when it’s still plugged in at your house. It will drain the battery less.
4. Change the heat settings to avoid wasting battery power. Keep the warm air as cool as you can tolerate, which means wearing thick layers and gloves when you drive.
5. Always keep your EV charged to a minimum of 50 percent. You’ll have enough reserve power to heat the battery before starting your electric car. 
6. Run the heat on the lowest setting you can, and run it so the heat focuses on the driver and the passengers directly as you drive through West Chester, PA.
7. Inflate your tires to the proper pressure to reduce the amount of power it takes to move the EV forward.
8. Always know the location of the nearest charging station when it’s time to recharge your electric car on long winter road trips. Use your vehicle’s GPS or a smartphone app to guide you to the nearest public charging station. 

Learn More About Electric Vehicles in Cold Weather

Ready to get behind the wheel of an EV on our lot? Contact us or call (302) 992-9400 to schedule a test drive with our team. We think you’ll love one of the EV selections on our lot!