Electric Cars: Usable and Practical in Cold Weather

Electric vehicles (EVs) have gained immense popularity in recent years, but one common question revolves around their usability during cold weather. This article explores whether EVs are indeed viable in frigid conditions, drawing from practical experiences and reliable data.

Real-World Experience with EVs in Cold Climates

First-hand experience speaks volumes. An EV user who has driven in regions above the Arctic Circle shares insights gathered from winter workshops. Ice vehicles, such as internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, required frequent troubleshooting, including adjusting engine oil and using block heaters. These steps not only wasted time but also drained energy resources. In contrast, EVs plugged in, set on a heating schedule, and started whenever needed, eliminating the hassle of dealing with block heaters and warming mechanisms.

Electric Cars vs. ICE Vehicles in Cold Weather

While it's true that EVs face some challenges, their solutions are efficient and practical. Consider the issue of block heaters: these devices help warm up the engine and oil for traditional vehicles but consume far more energy than the electricity needed to recharge an EV's battery. As noted, even in the coldest regions of Canada, block heaters use more power than what it takes to recharge an EV. This makes EVs a more viable option in cold climates.

Performance Comparisons and Winter Driving Pros and Cons

Pros and cons are distinct between EVs and ICE vehicles in winter driving. EVs tend to be heavier, but their weight distribution is even, improving traction. Traction control is more precise in EVs, and adding all-wheel drive (AWD) is simpler and enhances performance. However, there's a weight and range penalty, just as with ICE vehicles. Cabin heating is a key factor, as ICE vehicles offer free cabin heat, whereas EVs need to generate heat, which impacts range. For EV enthusiasts, heated seats are a necessity, as they are more efficient than heating the entire cabin.

Battery Performance in Cold Weather

In cold climates, the performance of battery systems in EVs is crucial. Norwegians have embraced EVs, with over 90% of new car sales in the country, reflecting a significant push from policies and incentives. However, the market numbers in Norway alone don't tell the whole story. The fact that there are now more EVs than ICE vehicles in this cold climate country speaks volumes about consumer acceptance. While battery performance may be affected in extreme cold, EVs generally start in very cold weather, unlike diesel engines which often struggle even at moderate temperatures.

Practical Tips for Cold Weather Driving

When it comes to cold weather driving, the tires are your most important asset. A good set of winter tires can make a significant difference, especially on front-wheel drive vehicles. In many scenarios, winter tires perform better than all-season tires, even on AWD vehicles. Starting an ICE vehicle is still challenging in extreme cold, as it depends on a cold 12-volt battery. EVs, however, consume less energy to start their systems, making them more reliable in cold weather.

One practical tip is the pre-conditioning of the car. You can use an EV's remote start function to warm the battery and the cabin before driving. This is not exclusive to EVs, but it stands out as a benefit. In an ICE vehicle, running the engine to pre-condition the cabin means opening the garage door, which isn't an option in an EV.

Conclusion: Climbing the hill of skepticism is not an easy task, but the data and practical experiences support EVs in cold weather. Despite some challenges, the benefits of using EVs in winter far outweigh the drawbacks. Electric cars are not only usable but can be a practical choice for winter driving.