How does the cold weather impact electric vehicles?
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As the cold weather snap grips the Central Texas region Tuesday, AAA Texas is cautioning electric vehicle owners to be mindful of how cold weather impacts EV operations.
Electric vehicles' driving range can drop as much as 50% when temperatures dip to 20° Fahrenheit and drivers rev up the heat. That decrease in driving range is attributed to the power demands needed to heat up the cabin of the vehicle for full functionality, according to AAA Texas.
Even without using heat, that driving range can still decrease an average 12% just for having to combat the wintry conditions, AAA Texas added.
While EVs' driving range can take a hit, experts said electric vehicles often have a lower center of gravity due to batteries being located under the floor, allowing them to have a better grip when driving through snow and ice. Likewise to some non-EVs, many models also come with all-wheel drive to best combat driving amid the elements.
AAA Texas experts recommended EV owners keep their batteries charged, since about 15% to 20% of an electric vehicle's charging reserves go toward heating the battery. Drivers can also choose to heat their seats or steering wheels instead of the entire vehicle to minimize battery expenditure.
Before hopping in the car, owners can start preheating the vehicle while it's still plugged in to optimize the battery's range, and parking EVs inside of a garage can help retain the battery's performance and charging capabilities.
"With some preparation and smart driving habits, EVs can be reliable in cold weather. As technology advances, concerns about battery capacity and range are diminishing," said Megan McKernan, group manager for AAA’s Automotive Research Center, in a release.