Do Electric Cars Work in the Winter?

It is no secret that electric vehicles have skyrocketed in popularity in recent years. From a more efficient and eco-friendly driving experience to fewer maintenance requirements to no more stops at Thornhill and Richmond Hill gas pumps, the benefits of EVs are legion. But do electric cars work in the winter? Does cold weather affect EV battery life? Get the answers to these questions and more in this guide to EV performance and EV battery life in the winter.

Can You Drive an EV in the Winter?

So, do electric cars work in the winter? Absolutely they do, and you can drive an EV in the winter with confidence. Here are some important things to keep in mind before you hit the roads of Mississauga and beyond this winter:

• Because EV batteries are much heavier than the batteries in gas vehicles, electric vehicles generally boast more overall weight, which can help enhance traction on wet and wintry roads.
• EVs come in all different stripes, and if you choose one with all-wheel or four-wheel drive, you will enjoy even better traction and control when driving in winter conditions.
• Consider investing in snow tires, as they will improve winter driving performance even further.

Does Cold Weather Affect EV Battery Life?

EV battery life in the winter can be impacted by cold temperatures. Specifically, your available range may be diminished a bit, but, again, there are some crucial factors to consider:

• Any kind of battery works less effectively in cold temperatures. So, cold weather does affect EV battery life to a certain degree. With that said, if you have an EV with a thermal management system, as many newer electric vehicles do, this system helps minimize the impact of cold conditions on your battery.
• Understandably, you want to keep warm and safe when driving in the cold. But overuse of your vehicle’s heater might also diminish EV battery life in the winter. Fortunately, many modern EVs have heat pumps designed to protect your battery charge while delivering maximum range, no matter the temperature outside.
• Preconditioning systems are becoming a more and more common feature of today’s electric vehicles. When plugged in, these systems warm the battery and your EV interior, and because they do not run on battery power, your charge and driving range will not be affected.

Discover Your Next EV in Vaughan

We have answered some common questions here: Do electric cars work in the winter? Can you drive an EV in the winter? Does cold weather affect EV battery life? When you are ready to find your next EV, Pfaff Automotive Partners has the selection you need. Contact us to set up a test drive, and be sure to explore our EV research for more information. You can also value your trade-in now to save time at the dealership later. We are confident we have the ideal EV for your driving needs this winter and throughout the year.