One of the best winter perks of an EV is the ability to precondition the cabin, letting you warm up the car before you even start driving. By heating the car while it’s still plugged in, you’ll save valuable battery power that would otherwise go toward warming the interior on the road.
Many EVs even allow you to schedule preconditioning through an app, so your car is ready to go, cosy and at peak efficiency, as soon as you’re ready to drive. Starting warm helps maximise range, making preconditioning a winter must-do.
In cold weather, tyre pressure tends to drop, which can affect your EV’s traction and range.
Anthony Wood – Traveller
Practical tips to maximise winter driving
Cold temperatures can impact any car’s performance, and EVs are no exception. Parking in a garage or sheltered area helps keep your battery warm, which means it won’t need as much energy to heat things up when you start driving. If you don’t have a garage, try parking close to buildings or under covers whenever possible to protect the battery from extreme cold.
For optimal battery health, aim to keep your EV within a “comfort zone” of around 20-80% charged. In winter, allowing the battery to drop below 20% can cause unnecessary strain and reduce efficiency, so try to top up sooner if possible.
Embrace the change
Check tyre pressure regularly throughout winter, as proper inflation can help reduce rolling resistance, improve energy efficiency, and boost your range. Cold-weather driving also benefits from a little extra attention to tyre tread and condition, as they play a big role in safe handling.
Likewise, charging to 100% is fine for occasional long trips, but for regular winter driving, 80% is ideal for balancing battery health and range. Strategic charging is a simple but effective way to keep your EV performing reliably in colder weather.
Most EVs come with an Eco Mode, which automatically reduces energy output for heating and optimises performance to use less power. When it’s cold out, switching to Eco Mode helps extend your range by moderating acceleration, slowing down power-hungry features, and keeping your climate control at a more efficient level. Activating Eco Mode can also prevent sudden battery drain during high-energy activities like rapid acceleration or heating, making it a handy winter tool.
