Electric Vehicle Range Improvements in Cold Climates
Andrew Garberson, head of growth and research at the EV advocacy group Recurrent, reassures drivers in cold-climate states like Minnesota that they can still drive an electric car with confidence. The public scrutiny over how well EVs perform in cold weather has intensified, especially after incidents like the one in Chicago last winter, where Tesla drivers faced long waits at public charging stations in subzero temperatures, draining their batteries and making charging a hassle.
### Cold Weather Challenges
The impact of freezing temperatures on EV batteries is significant, reducing driving range by 25 to 41 percent. Heating the car’s cabin in winter further depletes the battery, affecting travel distance. Despite these challenges, Garberson emphasizes that the media hype surrounding decreased range in winter is exaggerated. He drives an EV daily in Iowa, facing harsh winters similar to those in Minnesota, yet manages well.
### Solutions for Cold Weather Driving
Proper preparation can help EV drivers navigate cold conditions effectively. Garberson suggests preconditioning batteries before charging, a feature available in most modern EV models to optimize battery temperature for faster charging. Recurrent’s annual review of EV models reveals that the impact of cold weather on range varies by model and year. Cars equipped with heat pumps, like the Tesla Model X, experience less range loss compared to those without, such as the Volkswagen ID.4.
### Personal Experience and Survey Findings
Ingrid Malmgren’s experience with her Tesla Model Y on a road trip in frigid weather highlights the reliability of newer EV models with heat pumps. First-time EV buyers often worry about battery range, but a Plug In America survey shows that concerns diminish once they start driving an electric car. EV owners of models built before 2020 in rural areas remain more apprehensive due to limited charging infrastructure.
### Considerations for Prospective EV Buyers
Apart from range performance, charging speed is a crucial factor to consider when purchasing an EV. Newer models generally offer faster charging times, enhancing convenience for drivers. However, individual driving habits play a significant role in determining the impact of cold weather on range. With an average daily driving distance of around 30.2 miles, most EV owners won’t notice a substantial difference in range during extreme weather conditions.
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