Charging an EV in Cold Weather: Range, Preheating and Winter Tips

Electric cars work well through a London winter, but cold weather does change how they charge and how far they go. Many drivers notice a drop in range and slower charging on frosty mornings. This post explains why it happens and how a home charger helps you get the most from your car in winter.

Why range drops in the cold

Batteries work less efficiently when they are cold, and heating the cabin uses energy that would otherwise move the car. Short trips are hit hardest, because the car spends much of the journey warming up. Range usually recovers as temperatures rise again. Exact figures vary by car, so check your manufacturer's guidance.

Why charging can be slower

A cold battery may accept charge more slowly until it warms up. This is more noticeable on rapid public chargers than on a 7kW home charger, which charges gently overnight anyway. At home, a slower start rarely matters when the car is plugged in for many hours.

Preheat while plugged in

Most electric cars let you warm the cabin, and in some cases the battery, before you set off. If you do this while the car is still plugged in, the energy comes from your home supply rather than the battery, so you leave with a warm car and a full charge. Set a departure time in the car's app, or use your smart charger's schedule. Our guide to smart charger rules explains the scheduling features.

Winter tips

• Plug in every night rather than letting the battery run low in very cold spells.
• Use seat and steering wheel heaters, which use less energy than heating the whole cabin.
• Keep the charging cable coiled loosely and off icy ground so it stays flexible and undamaged.
• Check the charger's cable and plug for damage after frost, and do not use it if the casing is cracked.

If the charger stops working in winter

Damp and cold can expose faults in outdoor sockets, cable joints or protection devices. If your charger keeps tripping or will not start, see our guide to common home charger problems, and call an electrician rather than opening the unit.

Energy North Ltd installs and repairs home chargers across North, East and West London with City & Guilds certified electricians. See our EV charger installation page.