Winter weather can be daunting for every driver in BC but electric vehicles face unique challenges to run efficiently in cold conditions. Here’s your guide to keeping your EV running strong all winter long.

Does an EV work well in the winter?

For sure. Electric vehicles perform well in cold Canadian winters and other countries with freezing climates, like Norway, where 82% of new car sales were EVs last year. That said, if you’re an EV owner, you’ll find that many of the challenges that winter brings to gas-fuelled vehicles – like your engine temperature or battery drainage – are handled differently by an EV.

How does the cold affect your EV?

Good news: your EV traction is just the same as a gas vehicle, and EVs keep you just as warm. You’ll also find it's cheaper to power an EV compared to filling up with gas. 

However, winter weather does impact your EV’s performance. It takes more time to charge your EV in winter because the battery takes longer to reach its optimal temperature.

According to research by WhatCar? EVs can lose 15%-20% of their predicted range on the coldest days. You won’t be able to drive as far on a single charge because cold weather forces your EV battery to work harder. It needs more energy to keep its temperature up, power your vehicle and run your heated seats and window defrosters.

How to keep your EV running smart all winter

There are things you can do to optimize your EV range through winter. Minimize the impact of the cold with these tips:

• Keep your tires inflated
  Cold temperatures can cause a drop in tire pressure. This deflation increases your rolling resistance and friction, which reduces your EV battery range. Regularly check your tire pressure to make sure they’re properly inflated so your EV doesn’t have to work as hard.
• Drive smarter and slower
  Just like with any type of car, you’ll improve your energy efficiency if you drive steadily and cautiously, and it’ll also help you travel safely on BC’s winter roads. Take it easy and allow yourself more time to get to your destination. Driving your EV in eco mode will reduce your EV’s power consumption.
• Travel light
  The more weight your EV has to carry, the harder your battery has to work. Lighten your load and remove any heavy items that you can stash elsewhere. This will reduce your EV’s energy consumption and further optimize your range.
• Keep your EV charged
  Cold weather reduces battery performance, so keep your EV charged and ready to roll. It’s best not to let your battery charge drop below 20%, but even more so in cold conditions. If you have access to a home EV charger, plug it in overnight.
• Use departure scheduling
  If your EV lets you schedule a departure time, do it. Departure scheduling lets you plan your charging to finish right before you get on the road. That way your battery will be fully charged and the vehicle will be warmer before you depart.

How to keep your EV warm without draining your battery

• Preheat when you’re plugged in
  When temperatures dip below freezing, plan to preheat the interior of your car while it is charging. You’ll conserve battery life and give yourself a warm, comfortable ride when you hit the road.
• Use heated seats and steering wheel
  Instead of cranking up your cabin heat (which can quickly drain your battery), switch on your heated seats and a heated steering wheel. Both features warm you without using nearly as much energy. We also recommend bundling up in sweaters and blankets to keep you warm without relying on cabin heat and decreasing your range.
• Utilize your heat pump
  If your EV is equipped with a heat pump, great news. Heat pumps are three times more energy-efficient than traditional electric heaters. As the heat pump keeps you warm, it helps your EV retrieve 3%-15% of its range up to 80 km that’s otherwise lost in cold weather.

Essential tips for winter EV road tripping

Taking your EV on a winter road trip to see family, friends or ski hills? Here’s how to make your journey smooth and efficient:

• Plan your charging stops
  Winter can mean longer charging times, so be sure to plan your route with charging stations along the way. You’ll find links to public charging stations in our EV road trip guide to travelling around BC. There are over 5,000 public EV charging stations in BC and seven main charging networks: BC Hydro, ChargePoint, FLO, Shell Recharge, Petro-Canada, Tesla, On-the-Run
  
  Know your EV model’s expected range, then map out your route and plan your charge stops well before your car’s upper range. In winter, factor in extra time for both your slower driving speeds and longer charging times, especially if it's extremely cold outside. Give yourself some healthy wiggle room for delays so you don’t feel rushed and pack warm clothes to keep you toasty while charging.
• Carry an emergency kit
  An emergency roadside kit is an essential on any road trip. Check out our build-a-kit resources for more info on what to take. BCAA Members can save 20% on F.A.S.T. BCAA Grab and Go Emergency Kits.
• Clear the snow off your EV
  Every time you stop, use a brush to clear snow and ice off your vehicle, especially around your wheel wells and undercarriage. Slush and snow buildup causes unnecessary drag, which reduces your efficiency and range.
• Look for overnight charging
  If you need to stay somewhere overnight, try to book a place where you can plug in your EV. It’s a good feeling to wake up fully powered and ready to roll, and if it’s freezing overnight, plugging your EV into the mains help protect the battery from the cold.

Stay protected with BCAA

Remember, if the unexpected happens – from needing a battery boost to changing a tire – a BCAA Membership has got your covered with 24/7 Roadside Assistance for your EV. Whether you drive a battery electric or a hybrid vehicle, Members access BCAA’s Roadside Assistance at no extra cost. Plus, BCAA Members save at hundreds of your favourite brands worldwide. Not a BCAA Member? Join today! 

You can also check out our range of resources for all you need to know about EV driving in BC.

Stay safe, drive smart and enjoy your electric winter adventures!