Charging an electric vehicle in winter - 5 top tips you need to know

Presented in partnership with Electrify Canada.

While more Canadians continue to make the switch to electric vehicles, over half of Canadians believe that EVs are less capable in cold weather, according to a KPMG survey earlier this year. With forecasts calling for record-breaking cold this winter, it’s more important than ever that current and potential EV owners understand the nuances of winter charging.
Electrify Canada – a transformative, open DC fast charging network – has five top tips for charging an EV in the Canadian winter:

1. Charging may take longer
Your EV’s charging rate is controlled by the vehicle. Electric vehicle batteries are designed to operate optimally and deliver maximum charging power between 15° and 25° Celsius. Temperatures below 4° Celsius can reduce charging power – one study found that at 0° Celsius, an EV battery took in 36% less energy than when the battery was charged for the same amount of time at 25° Celsius. Whether you’re preparing for a long-distance trip or your daily commute, it’s important to account for the possibility of longer charge times.

2. Pay attention to overnight changes in range
Overnight cold temperatures can lower an EV’s range by an average of 20%. Be mindful of the potential reduction and pay attention to your vehicle’s console display, as some EVs can predict the reduction during cold weather conditions.

3. Plan your rides
Think about your upcoming charging stops to avoid finding yourself with limited range. The Electrify Canada mobile app helps drivers easily navigate the charging station map and see which chargers are currently available while on the road.

4. Park indoors
If possible, park your EV in a garage – the higher indoor temperatures can help your battery charge more quickly and hold a charge for longer.

5. Understand your EV’s cold weather features
Some EVs have a pre-conditioning feature that allows the driver to program or manually warm up the battery to more optimal temperatures, which can make the battery more efficient and maximize driving range.

By understanding your EV and its charging needs, especially during colder weather, you’ll be better prepared to rely on an electric car no matter when and where you’re driving.