Electric car and cold: how to preserve range in winter?
Dec 10, 2025
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Electric car and cold: how to preserve battery range in winter?
When the thermometer drops below zero, electric car range decreases. The ADAC (German automobile club) measured a loss of 15 to 25% around freezing point, and more in severe cold or on short trips. The Norwegian automobile club NAF, which organizes the world's largest winter range test every year (El Prix), observes variations ranging from 5 to 30% depending on models.
No reason to give up on electric. Norwegians drive 90% electric cars despite winters at -20°C. With a few simple habits, range loss remains manageable in daily life.
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Why does cold reduce range?
Batteries don't like cold
Lithium-ion batteries work through chemical reactions. When temperature drops, these reactions slow down. The battery stores and delivers less energy. Its ideal operating range is between 20 and 25°C.
During the NAF Norwegian El Prix 2025 test, 24 vehicles were tested in real conditions between -2°C and -15°C. The Polestar 3 stood out with only 5% loss compared to its WLTP range. Conversely, some models like the Peugeot e-3008 lost more than 30% of their advertised range.
Heating, a major energy consumer
On a gasoline or diesel vehicle, engine heat is used to heat the cabin. It's "free". On an electric car, the motor produces almost no heat. You must therefore draw from the battery to heat the interior.
ADAC measured that electric cars consume on average 70% more energy in winter than in summer. Most of this overconsumption comes from heating the cabin and battery. A classic resistive heater draws between 3 and 6 kW. On an hour's trip, that's 3 to 6 kWh less for driving.
Our advice to limit range loss
Preheat the vehicle during charging
Most electric cars allow scheduling preheating via the mobile app. Start it 15 to 30 minutes before leaving, while the vehicle is still plugged into the charger. Energy comes from the grid, not the battery. You leave with a warm cabin without touching your range. ADAC recommends this practice to reduce range loss.
Prefer heated seats and steering wheel
Heating the entire cabin requires a lot of energy. Heated seats and heated steering wheel consume much less. Lower the heating by a few degrees, activate the seats: the difference in consumption is noticeable. This is one of NAF's tips for Norwegian drivers.
Drive calmly
High speed and sudden accelerations increase consumption, summer and winter alike. In cold weather, the effect is amplified. Ease off the accelerator, anticipate braking and take advantage of regenerative braking to recover energy. Eco mode, available on most electric vehicles, limits motor power and optimizes energy management.
Park the vehicle sheltered
A car that spends the night in a garage at 10°C maintains better performance than a vehicle left outside in freezing temperatures. An underground parking lot already makes a difference. ADAC notes that below -15°C, some vehicles automatically activate battery heating, which consumes energy even when stationary.
Keep a battery margin
In cold weather, it's better not to let the battery drop too low. This margin allows the vehicle to heat the battery at startup if necessary. A cold battery starting at 5% risks losing even more capacity.
Check tire pressure
Cold causes tire pressure to drop (about 0.1 bar per 10°C decrease). Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and therefore consumption. Regular checking in winter allows gaining a few kilometers of range. The weight of batteries makes electric vehicles more sensitive to this phenomenon.
Heat pump: what effect on range?
The heat pump captures calories present in outside air (even in freezing temperatures) and transfers them into the cabin. Its operation differs from resistance heating which directly transforms electricity into heat.
A heat pump can generate 3 to 4 units of heat for each unit of electricity consumed. In real conditions, it consumes about three times less than resistive heating for the same comfort. On long winter trips, it significantly limits range loss.
Downside: below -10°C, its efficiency decreases. At startup, it takes a few minutes to reach optimal regime. For short trips in severe cold, the gain remains limited. It comes standard on quite a few recent electric cars (Tesla Model Y, Renault Mégane E-Tech, Volkswagen ID.3, Peugeot e-308...) or is offered as an option.
Charging in winter: what changes
Cold lengthens charging times. A cold battery accepts less power to protect itself. At a fast charger, power may be limited until the battery has reached its operating temperature. Tesla, BMW and Hyundai offer automatic preconditioning: when you program a route to a fast charger, the vehicle heats the battery en route.
To charge faster in winter: plug in the vehicle just after driving, when the battery is still warm. That's when it best accepts power. At Electra fast charging stations, you thus recover maximum kilometers in minimum time.
At home, no problem: slow charging (7 kW) gently heats the battery and the extra time remains marginal. For regular trips requiring charging at fast chargers, the Electra+ subscription brings the rate from €0.49/kWh to €0.29/kWh (Boost formula at €9.99/month).
What about traffic jams?
ADAC tested two electric cars (Renault Zoe and VW e-Up) blocked all night at -9 to -14°C with heating at 22°C. Result: after 12 hours, there was still 30% battery on the Zoe and 20% on the e-Up. Enough to last 15 to 17 hours total. In case of winter traffic jam, no risk of breaking down quickly.
What electric cars do well in winter
Cold has an effect on range, but electric cars also have advantages in winter weather. The electric motor delivers its torque instantly, which facilitates starts on slippery roads. The weight of batteries, distributed at floor level, lowers the center of gravity and stabilizes the vehicle.
No cold start problems like on a diesel. The motor works immediately, without jerking. And the cabin can be preheated remotely before even getting in the vehicle.
What to remember
An electric car loses range in winter: 15 to 25% around 0°C according to ADAC, sometimes more in severe cold or on short trips. With the right reflexes (preheating during charging, heated seats, smooth driving), the effect remains manageable in daily life. Recent vehicles are better equipped to face cold, with heat pumps and efficient thermal management systems. ADAC concludes: electric cars are adapted to winter.
Written by Nicolas, Electra mobility expert
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