EV range in winter

In short: In cold weather an electric car’s range drops noticeably, often by 10 to 30 percent, because battery and heating need more energy.

In more detail: The chemical reactions in the battery run slower in the cold. In addition, cabin heating uses electricity, whereas combustion cars take it from waste heat.

In detail

• Preconditioning: Heat the car before departure while it is plugged in. Then the warmth comes from the grid, not the battery.
• Heat pump: It heats more efficiently than plain resistance heating and saves energy on cold trips.
• Seat and steering wheel heating: They warm selectively and use less than heating the whole cabin.
• Speed: High speed raises air drag. Steady driving saves range.
• Tyres: Winter tyres and correct pressure reduce rolling resistance (reifendruck-richtig-pruefen).