Conducir vehículos eléctricos en invierno: lo que debe saber

For decades, winter driving has followed established routines: adding antifreeze to the windscreen washer fluid, fitting winter tyres, and using so-called winter diesel between mid-November and the end of February. This fuel is resistant to cold but results in slightly higher consumption.

Electric vehicles (EVs) do not have an equivalent counterpart. Electricity remains the same regardless of the season. However, cold weather still affects daily EV use, impacting range, charging performance, and the energy required for heating and comfort functions. With some preparation and the right approach, these effects can be effectively mitigated. It is important to note that some of these aspects depend on the vehicle’s equipment and should be considered when purchasing. We have compiled the most important tips and categorised them into three key areas, though some may apply to multiple categories.

Battery & charging

Pre-heating the electric vehicle is one of the most effective measures to enhance comfort and minimise range loss, provided the EV is still connected to the wallbox. This process warms the interior – and, depending on the model, the battery – before departure, without drawing energy from the traction battery. It can be activated manually in the vehicle, via an app, or through a fixed schedule. An added benefit: it eliminates the need for ice scraping and makes removing snow easier.

A parking space in a garage or under a carport can also prevent the battery and interior from cooling down too much overnight. Even a few degrees of temperature difference can reduce the energy required for heating and warming the battery.

Using battery preconditioning while driving may slightly increase consumption, but it can save several minutes of charging time at a DC fast charger by bringing the battery temperature into its optimal range. Typically, preconditioning starts automatically when a charging stop is planned in the navigation system, though some models allow manual activation. Unfortunately, not all models on the market offer one or both of these options.

Charging the electric vehicle immediately after a long drive, rather than later, is also recommended. The vehicle and battery are already at operating temperature, which can improve charging performance and reduce charging losses.

The temperature of the high-voltage battery plays a central role in the efficiency, available range, and charging behaviour of an electric vehicle. Batteries perform best within a specific temperature range, known as the ‘comfort zone,’ which lies between 20 and 40 degrees Celsius. If the battery is too cold, losses increase, and the battery management system limits charging power to protect the cells. However, when the battery is within the optimal temperature window, energy can be absorbed and released more efficiently. This positively impacts charging times and range.

Determining whether the battery is within the optimal temperature window is often difficult without additional technical tools, such as an OBD dongle. Few manufacturers provide this important information to customers in the vehicle.

Comfort & range

Acclimatising the interior – whether through cooling or heating – results in relatively high energy consumption, particularly at the start of a journey. The longer the distance travelled, the less significant this becomes in terms of overall consumption.

In this context, the heat pump is frequently mentioned as a key component for reducing energy consumption. On long journeys, it demonstrates its strengths by using less energy to heat the interior compared to conventional heating systems. However, on short trips, its effectiveness is limited.

For shorter distances, using the seat and steering wheel heaters can be more efficient. The targeted heat output consumes less energy than heating the entire passenger compartment. If the electric vehicle is pre-heated before departure, as mentioned earlier, the interior is already comfortably warm. On short trips, intensive heating may not even be necessary. Accordingly, it is advisable to set the interior temperature moderately and, if possible, heat only the driver’s area.

Driving style & safety

Almost every electric vehicle features an Eco Mode, which limits heating power and ensures a smoother response from the accelerator pedal. The latter reduces or even prevents wheel spin, saving energy – albeit minimally – and, more importantly, enhancing driving safety on slippery roads.

If possible, opt for a lower regeneration level when driving on snow or ice. Excessive regeneration can negatively affect driving behaviour on slippery surfaces. Some manufacturers offer adaptive regeneration, and it is worth checking the owner’s manual to see whether it should be deactivated in such conditions. A few models even provide a dedicated snow or winter mode. On slippery roads, it is often safer to control deceleration manually rather than relying on software.

Falling temperatures reduce tyre pressure, which increases rolling resistance and energy consumption. For this reason, tyre pressure should be checked regularly. A slight adjustment of about 0.1 to 0.2 bar above the minimum pressure can improve efficiency and driving stability – provided this remains within the manufacturer’s specifications.

One persistent myth is that auxiliary consumers significantly impact range. However, features like the radio, headlights, or windscreen wipers have only a minimal effect on consumption.

Despite all these tips, visibility and safety should always take precedence over potential energy savings that might only extend range by a few kilometres. Stay safe during the cold season and enjoy smooth journeys.