From Recurrent.
Hey EV drivers (and future EV drivers 👋)! Welcome back to Recurrent, where we break down electric vehicle tech without the techie talk. Today, we’re diving into a hot topic for cold days: How do EVs handle winter? 💭
If you’ve heard EVs lose tons of range in the cold—don’t panic! It’s not as dramatic as it sounds. In this video, we’ll unpack:
✅ *How much range loss to actually expect*
✅ *What a heat pump is (and why you want one)*
✅ *Simple, smart tips to preserve range in chilly weather*
Whether you already drive electric or you’re just EV-curious, this guide will help you stay charged and cozy this winter! 🧣⚡
❄️ How Much Range Do You Lose in the Cold?❄️
Yes, EVs lose range in low temps—but the average loss is around 20%.
So, a car that gets 300 miles in ideal weather might get ~240 on a freezing day.
📉 Some cars lose as little as 15%, while others may drop up to 40%—it depends on your model and just how cold it gets!
❄️ Why does it happen?❄️
– 🧊 Batteries hate the cold– Chemical reactions slow down at low temps.
– 🔥 Heating the cabin takes juice – Unlike gas cars that use engine heat, EVs have to make their own heat (which uses energy).
🌡️ What’s a Heat Pump & Why Is It Awesome?
A heat pump is like a reverse AC unit that pulls heat from outside air into your car.
🚗💨 EVs with heat pumps lose less range in cold weather and use way less energy to heat the cabin.
🛠️ Cold-Weather Tips to Maximize Range
🔌 Precondition while plugged in – Warm up your car *before* you drive, using wall power, not your battery.
♨️ Use heated seats & steering wheel – They use *way* less power than blasting the cabin heat.
🔋 Keep your car plugged in when parked – Set a charge limit (70–80%) and let your car stay warm using external power.
❄️ Worried you’ll freeze if stranded in an EV? Here’s the truth:
🔋 With just 50% battery, most EVs can keep warm for 20+ hours using energy-efficient systems.
💡 Final Takeaways ❄️
✔️ EVs lose range in winter, but it’s manageable (~20% average).
✔️ Heat pumps can save you up to 50% in energy used for heating.
✔️ Smart prep like preconditioning and using seat warmers goes a long way.
✔️ EVs are safer than you think—even in emergencies.
💬 Got your own winter EV tips or chilly adventures to share? Drop them in the comments!
👍 Like this video? Smash that like button, subscribe, and stay tuned for more no-fluff EV insights from Recurrent!
#EVWinterTips #ElectricVehicles #ColdWeatherEV #RecurrentAuto #EVLife #HeatPump #EVRangeLoss
