THE EFFECT OF COLD ON YOUR EV
COLD WEATHER AFFECTS THE RANGE AND PERFORMANCE OF YOUR EV BECAUSE IONS FLOW SLOWER THROUGH THE BATTERY CELLS. WHILE EV'S ARE STILL MUCH MORE EFFICIENT THAN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES, THE COLD REQUIRES MORE ENERGY TO POWER THE DRIVE AND HEAT THE INTERIOR.
It is claimed that electric vehicles have between 10% and 20% less range in extreme temperatures (lower or higher than 4°C or 46°C). If the temperature drops well below zero, the performance loss can be even greater, as we know from our own experiences and reports from Bjørn Nyland.
But you can maximize the overall performance of your EV. Ultimately, it all comes down to one thing: the battery. Battery performance is the biggest obstacle for EVs to perform optimally in winter. EV batteries operate less efficiently in cold temperatures. In a field study conducted by Bjørn Nyland, the Volvo XC40 78 kWh AWD significantly reduced range and even performed 23% less in lower temperatures. The car was tested at a constant speed of 90 km/h both in summer and winter in Norway. Summer 20°C, winter 6°C. Imagine what the impact on your range will be if the temperature drops to minus 15°C. Of course, this will vary depending on the EV you drive and the exact weather conditions.
Lower temperatures also slow down your EV's ability to fully charge. The charging time of your electric car will also increase in the cold. Research has shown that while a fast charger charges your EV 80% in 30 minutes, under extreme temperatures - minus 15°C or lower - the fast charger charges 30% less in the same time.
During the Sub-Zero Race, temperatures can drop below -15°C. With strong winds, the wind chill factor adds to this, making it less than ideal conditions for your electric car. You can harnass yourself and squeze the maximum possible out of your EV, some tips & tricks can be found here: OPTIMIZE YOUR EV.
One thing is sure, your ultimate sustainable journey starts at the Sub-Zero Race!