Short answer: in Department of Energy testing at 20°F, electric cars lost about 41% of their range when the cabin heater was used, and about 12% without it (fueleconomy.gov). Roughly two-thirds of the extra energy goes to heating the cabin, so how you heat matters more than the cold itself.
What the cold does to an EV
- Cabin heat: a gas engine makes waste heat for free. An EV has to spend battery energy to warm you up.
- Battery chemistry: lithium-ion cells work less efficiently when cold, and the car spends energy warming the pack.
- Denser air, winter tires and slush add a bit more drag.
Gas cars suffer too: at 20°F, city fuel economy drops about 15% (up to 24% on short trips), and hybrids lose 30-34%, according to the same DOE data.
What that means in miles
| Rated range | 20°F, heater off (about -12%) | 20°F, heater on (about -41%) |
|---|---|---|
| 250 miles | about 220 miles | about 148 miles |
| 300 miles | about 264 miles | about 177 miles |
| 350 miles | about 308 miles | about 207 miles |
These are test averages. Real results vary by model, speed, trip length and how warm you keep the cabin. The average American drives far fewer than 150 miles a day, so for daily commuting the loss rarely matters. It matters on road trips; see how to plan EV charging stops.
8 ways to keep more range in winter
- Preheat while plugged in. Warming the cabin (and battery) on grid power instead of the battery is DOE’s top tip for plug-ins.
- Use seat and steering-wheel heaters. Heating your body takes far less energy than heating all the air in the cabin.
- Park in a garage or any sheltered spot.
- Check tire pressure. It drops in the cold and raises rolling resistance.
- Drive a little slower on highways. Aerodynamic drag rises fast with speed.
- Combine short trips. The first miles of each trip, while everything warms up, are the least efficient.
- Remove roof racks when you’re not using them.
- Keep a buffer. In very cold weather, plan to arrive with 20% or more remaining.
Charging in the cold
A cold battery accepts charge more slowly, so fast-charging stops can take longer in winter. Many EVs can warm the battery before a fast-charging stop when you set the charger as your navigation destination; check your owner’s manual. Home charging overnight is the easiest fix: you start every morning full and warm. Our guide to home charging costs shows what that costs.
FAQ
Is the range loss permanent? No. Range comes back when temperatures rise.
Do heat pumps in EVs help? Many newer EVs use a heat pump for cabin heating, which typically needs less energy than resistance heaters. Check the spec sheet when comparing models.
Is a gas car better in winter? Gas cars lose less range in percentage terms and refuel faster, but EVs warm up instantly, can preheat from your phone and avoid cold starts.