How Are Electric Cars in Cold Weather?

Congratulations! You just bought a brand-new Mercedes-EQ, like the EQS or another vehicle in the Mercedes-EQ line. These new EVs have amazing engineering and performance specs. Plus, you don’t have to worry about filling up on gasoline as you travel along Mclean or Great Falls roads or when taking a cross-country vacation with your loved ones. Electricity is much cheaper than gas!

The team at Mercedes-Benz of Tysons Corner wants you to get the best possible experience out of your EV. That’s why we’ve got our guide on how cold weather affects electric cars in winter when the temperatures plummet and you need to heat your cabin. Read on to learn more about electric cars in cold weather!

Do Electric Cars Lose Range in Cold Weather?

As temperatures plummet, electric cars in cold climates require additional energy to move the car forward during your Chantilly commute. It also uses more electricity to heat up the cabin. Studies have shown that using your EV’s cabin heater could lower the battery range by around 41 percent. Batteries on electric cars in cold climates can use around 20 percent of their power to heat up enough just to work properly.

For these reasons alone, you’ll want to pay closer attention to the charge on your electric car in the winter. Make sure you use best practices for electric cars in cold weather so you don’t drain your battery too fast, potentially leaving you stranded without a way home. You won’t want to be too far away from a charging station in winter, either.

Tips to Maximize Electric Vehicle Battery Range in the Winter

Yes, electric cars in winter have unique challenges. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get the most out of your new vehicle purchase. Discover some tips on how to conserve your electric vehicle battery power in cold weather:

1. Keep your car parked in a garage throughout the colder months if possible. This will keep your battery warmer as it sits still. Your garage at home is ideal overnight. If you have a parking garage at work, utilize that if you can. Keeping your car out of cold temperatures will mean it needs less power to start or run your heater for your electric car in cold weather.
2. Set a charging time for your vehicle using your mobile app.
3. Slow down. Use one-pedal driving as much as you can, meaning only the accelerator and easing on the pedal to slow down. You’ll reduce the amount of power the battery uses as you drive and brake.
4. Preheat your vehicle when it’s still plugged in at your house. It will drain the battery less.
5. Change the heat settings to avoid wasting battery power. Make the warm air as cool as you can tolerate, which means bundling up a bit more and wearing gloves. You can always take your coat and sweater off when you reach your destination.
6. Always keep your car charged at a minimum of 50 percent. You’ll have enough reserve power to heat the battery before starting your electric car.
7. Utilize standard heat settings that target the driver and passengers directly when driving your electric car in cold weather. Don’t run the heat full blast. Run it on low instead.
8. Inflate your tires to the proper pressure for better battery performance. This will reduce the amount of power needed to move the car forward by optimizing the rolling resistance.
9. Have a backup plan for long road trips. Know the location of the nearest charging station for when it’s time to recharge your electric car in winter. Your smartphone and your vehicle’s GPS can point you in the right direction.

Learn More About Electric Cars in Cold Weather

Now that you know how freezing temperatures affect electric cars in cold weather, discover more ways to care for your EV in winter at Mercedes-Benz of Tysons Corner. We’d love to hear from you!

Need to prep your car for winter in Vienna? Check out our service specials to keep your vehicle running in top shape while saving some money in the process. Contact us or call (703) 263-8107 for more information on caring for your electric car in cold weather. We’re happy to help in any way we can!