Heat your EV without losing range

Small changes can make a big difference in colder weather

Why heating your EV affects battery range

Petrol and diesel cars use spare heat from the engine to warm the cabin. EVs use battery power, which leaves less charge for your journey.

If you dial up the heat as soon as you set off, you may notice your range decreasing more quickly than usual.

Heat your EV while it’s still charging 

Warming the cabin while you charge your EV takes the strain away from the battery and uses mains power instead. Set your departure time through the EV app and you can warm the cabin before you unplug the charger. 

This is one of the most effective changes you can make to reduce the impact of winter on your EV’s range.

Warm yourself, not the whole cabin

Heated seats and steering wheels use less energy, because they warm your body directly, rather than the air in the whole cabin. Again, you might be able to set a timer in the app so they switch on while your EV is still connected to the mains supply. 

You can then keep the cabin temperature lower, which helps reduce the impact on your battery.

Keep the temperature steady 

In especially cold conditions, you may find that you still need to heat the cabin itself. Just a small decrease in your usual temperature setting can reduce energy use. Try lowering the settings one or two degrees and see what a difference that can make.

It’s far more efficient to preheat the cabin while charging and then keep the temperature at a steady level.

Clear your windscreen while you charge

Misted or iced windscreens are a big frustration in winter. They must be clear before setting off, so take advantage of mains power before unplugging the charger.

Add extra charge for winter journeys 

No matter how careful you are, heating an EV on the road affects its usual range. That’s why one of the best precautions you can take is to add more charge than usual in the colder months. Plan your routes carefully and allow extra for potential delays or detours.

If your EV has a heat pump, use it to your advantage

Many EVs now come with heat pumps as standard or as an option. If you have one, you may find it uses less energy to heat the cabin.

They work in a similar way to domestic heat pumps, extracting heat from the outside air, even when it’s cold. This puts less strain on your EV’s battery and helps more of the charge get you from A to B.

Winter driving can be unpredictable, but planning ahead can help you spend less time worrying about charge levels and more time focusing on the journey ahead.