Every automotive technician knows that batteries and extreme cold are things that do not mix well, but does this extended to batteries that actually power EV drivetrains? A new real world study by What Car? appears to show that it does. 

What Car? testers recently put the range of some popular EV models to the test in cold conditions and found that when compared to summer range it was reduced by an average of 18%, with some cars showing a massive 40% reduction.  

In the tests of some 60 vehicles over 3 years, the EVs were driven until the battery was fully discharged. Testers found that the range of the MG4 dropped from the quoted 281-miles to 196, while the Kia EV6 range dropped from 328 miles, to 228 miles in winter test. The compact Fiat 500e was the worst performer dropping from 198 miles quoted range to an actual winter range of 118 miles. 

Several factors account for the range reduction. Just like lead acid batteries the efficiency of lithium-ion batteries is compromised in colder weather. Also in cold conditions internal heating draws power directly from the battery, unlike in a combustion engine car.

EVs featuring heat pumps performed much better in winter conditions than cars without these energy saving devices.