It’s true that electric vehicles (EVs) experience a decrease in driving range in cold temperatures, but the same applies to traditional combustion cars.
In a study conducted by the Norwegian Automobile Association in 2020, 20 EVs were tested in winter conditions. The results showed that, on average, EVs lose up to 20% of their range at temperatures between 0 and 2 degrees Celsius. The Nissan Ariya fared the best with only a 16% loss of range.
Modern EVs are now equipped with heat pumps designed to expedite battery heating, which helps mitigate the impact of low temperatures on range. Additionally, the US Department of Energy conducted tests showing that gasoline cars also experience a 15% decrease in fuel efficiency in cold weather. For shorter trips, especially before the engine has warmed up, the average increase in fuel consumption for petrol cars was 20%.
It’s important to note that range loss in sub-zero temperatures can also depend on driving style. Aggressive acceleration and high speeds can further reduce range for both EVs and petrol cars.
In summary, while EVs do experience reduced range in winter conditions, the difference is comparable to the decrease in fuel efficiency seen in petrol cars. The advancements in EV technology, such as heat pumps, are continuously improving winter performance, making EVs a practical choice even in colder climates.