Beat the Cold: Essential Winter Strategies for Your EV
As temperatures plummet across Britain, electric vehicle owners face a familiar challenge: significantly reduced driving range. The chemical reactions within EV batteries slow down in colder conditions, forcing them to work harder for power and inevitably decreasing the distance you can travel between charges.
However, according to motoring expert Jack Evans, writing on Thursday 27 November 2025, drivers aren't powerless against the winter chill. By adopting a few key habits, you can ensure your electric car operates at peak efficiency during the coldest months of the year.
Smart Pre-Heating and Efficient Cabin Warming
One of the most effective methods to preserve your EV's range is to maximise its pre-heating function. This feature, available in nearly all modern electric vehicles, allows you to schedule a departure time. The car will then automatically warm the cabin to your desired temperature before you set off.
Many models also offer remote activation via a smartphone app. The crucial advice is to perform this pre-heating while your vehicle is still plugged into the charger. This means the vehicle warms up using mains electricity rather than draining its own battery. You'll begin your journey with a full charge and a cosy interior, without sacrificing precious range to heat the car after you've left.
Once on the road, consider using your heated seats and steering wheel instead of the main climate control system. The car's heating and air conditioning require a substantial amount of energy to run. By relying on these more targeted heating elements, you can make a notable positive impact on your overall range. Of course, if the cold becomes unbearable, do switch on the main heating for safety and comfort.
Vehicle Setup and Driving Modes
Just as with petrol or diesel cars, under-inflated tyres on an electric vehicle can drastically reduce efficiency. Tyres that aren't inflated to the correct pressure create more rolling resistance, or 'drag', causing the car to use more electricity. This is similar to how a combustion engine car would use more fuel.
Make a habit of checking that your tyres are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressures, which can typically be found in the vehicle's handbook or on a sticker inside the driver's door frame.
Another simple yet effective tip is to engage your vehicle's 'eco' mode. Many electric cars feature this dedicated setting, which optimises performance by reducing power output and limiting energy-draining auxiliary functions. This can substantially extend your driving range. The setting is often located within the main infotainment screen menus, so it's worth familiarising yourself with its location.
Strategic Parking and Charging
Where you park can also influence your EV's efficiency. If you have access to a garage or any covered parking area, use it during winter. Even a small increase in ambient temperature can make a significant difference to battery performance. Parking under cover keeps your vehicle slightly warmer, which helps maintain the batteries at a more efficient operating temperature.
Cold weather doesn't just affect driving range; it also impacts charging speed. A cold battery cannot accept a charge as quickly as a warm one. To mitigate this, use your car's battery pre-conditioning feature ahead of a planned charging stop. Some cars have a dedicated setting for this, while more advanced models will do it automatically. Simply enter your destination into the car's navigation system; it will not only plot the optimal charging point but also warm the battery beforehand to ensure you achieve the fastest possible charging speed.
