A recent study by Geotab, a provider of fleet vehicle telematics, found that cold temperatures do have an effect on the driving range of electric vehicles (EVs), but the impact varies depending on the speed of the vehicle. The study analyzed the driving range of 2,000 electric vans and 500 electric sedans and came to a surprising conclusion: the maximum range of an EV occurs at a higher speed in the cold than at a moderate temperature.
At 68°F (20°C), the optimal speed for an EV to achieve maximum range is 19 mph (30 km/h). But at 32°F (0°C), the maximum range is achieved at a speed of 37 mph (60 km/h). The reason for this is that at low speeds, the heater has a greater impact on the range than aerodynamics, and the longer the heater runs, the more the battery drains.
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However, at higher speeds, the impact of the heater is reduced. As the vehicle moves through the air at speeds of 60-70 mph (96-113 km/h), the drag has a greater effect on the range than the heater. Thus, once the vehicle reaches speeds over 70 mph (113 km/h), the temperature has a lesser impact on the range.
It’s worth noting that the range of an EV is never greater in the cold. Geotab estimates that at 68°F (20°C), an EV with a 65 kWh battery has a maximum range of approximately 400 miles (644 km), while at 32°F (0°C), the range is just over 250 miles (402 km).
See also: How winter and cold weather affect electric vehicles driving range
Although it’s interesting to know that highway journeys in the winter may have less of an impact on range compared to low-speed drives, it’s still important to keep in mind that the range will be greater in mild weather. For example, at 37 mph (60 km/h), the EV can go around 350 miles (563 km) in mild weather, compared to 250 miles (402 km) in the cold.
Remember, it’s crucial to always drive according to road conditions, especially in winter when grip can be low. Safe driving always trumps maximum range.
