Electric cars lose range in autumn: how cold affects batteries

How cold affects the performance of electric cars

With the arrival of the first autumn chills, electric car owners notice: their vehicles behave quite differently than in summer. While in warm weather the range was sufficient for almost 350 kilometers, by September-October this figure can drop to 250-300. This is not a fabrication or exaggeration, but a consequence of physical processes.

As reported by 'Khvilya', lithium-ion batteries deliver energy significantly worse in cold environments, and at five degrees of frost, they lose up to a third of their potential. The display may show a full charge, but the actual available energy will be significantly lower.

Problems of electric cars in cold seasons

The situation is complicated by cabin heating. In gasoline and diesel engines, heat is generated as a by-product, while in electric vehicles, it is drawn directly from the battery. Seat, steering wheel, or windshield heating quickly 'eats away' a portion of the range. Therefore, car manufacturers recommend preheating the vehicle while it is still plugged in to reduce consumption during driving.

There is another problem - the operation of the battery management system. On damp days with sharp temperature fluctuations from positive during the day to zero at night, electronics often fail. The driver sees a forecast of 200 kilometers, but in a few minutes the figure can sharply drop to 150. This is the result of false sensor readings, which get confused in unstable climate conditions.

No less vulnerable in autumn is the battery heating system. A malfunction of the heat pump or even a slight coolant leak can result in the battery remaining cold. In this state, it charges slowly, and rapid charging becomes practically impossible.

Autumn risks also hide in small details. Moisture and dirt in the charging connector cause corrosion of contacts, and the ordinary 12-volt battery, which is responsible for the electronics, often fails in winter or autumn and can paralyze the operation of the entire vehicle.

Thus, with the onset of cold, electric cars require more attention from their owners. A full charge before departure, cleaning of connectors, and checking of the heating system will help avoid troubles and make trips safer, even despite all seasonal challenges.