Winter Range
Winter range is the distance an EV can cover in cold-weather use under stated winter conditions.
Why cold weather changes range
A cold battery can deliver and accept energy less efficiently, and the cabin, windows, seats, and battery may need electrical heat. Cold air is denser, increasing aerodynamic drag, while winter tyres, wet roads, snow, and slush can increase resistance. Short trips can be especially energy-intensive because the vehicle repeatedly warms the cabin and components.
Preconditioning while connected to a charger can warm the cabin and, in vehicles that support it, the battery before departure. This can preserve more stored energy for driving and improve charging or regenerative-braking availability, but it does not remove the effects of cold air, road conditions, or winter tyres.
“Winter range” is not a universal percentage of a rated range. A useful figure must state at least the temperature, speed or route, heating settings, battery starting condition, and end reserve. Results from a mild motorway trip and a very cold sequence of short urban trips are not directly comparable.
For seasonal range factors and trip preparation, see Understanding EV Range.