282 The Cold Weather Episode
About this episode
Cold weather poses unique challenges for electric vehicle (EV) drivers, significantly impacting battery performance and range. This episode delves into how low temperatures affect battery chemistry, leading to reduced efficiency and range. Listeners will learn practical tips for extending EV range in winter, including preconditioning the battery and utilizing heated accessories like seats and steering wheels. The discussion also highlights the advantages of heat pumps over resistive heaters for maintaining warmth without draining the battery excessively. Insights from personal experiences with various EV models add a relatable touch to the technical details.
In this episode of The EV Musings Podcast, Gary discusses the impact of cold weather on electric vehicles, focusing on battery performance, heating solutions, and practical tips for driving in winter conditions.
He explains how cold temperatures affect battery chemistry, leading to reduced range, and offers insights into efficient heating methods, including the use of heat pumps and heated accessories.
The episode concludes with essential tips for maximising EV performance in cold weather.
The EV Musings Podcast is sponsored by Zapmap, the go-to app for EV drivers, helping you find and pay for public charging with confidence.
Links in the show notes:
Episode produced by Arran Sheppard at Urban Podcasts: https://www.urbanpodcasts.co.uk
(C) 2019-2026 Gary Comerford
Support me:
Patreon Link: http://www.patreon.com/evmusings
Ko-fi Link: http://www.ko-fi.com/evmusings
The Books:
'So, you've gone electric?' on Amazon : https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07Q5JVF1X
'So, you've gone renewable?’ on Amazon : https://amzn.to/3LXvIck
Social Media:
EVMusings: Twitter https://twitter.com/MusingsEv
Instagram: @EVmusings
Octopus Energy referral code (Click this link to get started) https://share.octopus.energy/neat-star-460
Upgrade to smarter EV driving with a free week's trial of Zapmap Premium, find out more here https://evmusings.com/zapmap-premium
Mentioned in this episode:
Zapmap
The EV Musings Podcast is sponsored by Zapmap, the go-to app for EV drivers, helping you find and pay for public charging with confidence. Zapmap is free to download and use, with subscription plans for enhanced features such as using Zapmap in-car on CarPlay or Android Auto, and discounted charging across thousands of charge points. Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store or find out more at www.zapmap.com.
Global Women in EV Day
This episode is supported by Global Women in EV Day, an international movement founded by Gill Nowell to celebrate and accelerate the women driving the EV transition. Launching globally on 10 February 2026, the campaign brings the sector together around visibility, equity and action. More info: [email protected]
electric vehicle (EV)
"...But if you've got an electric vehicle, the weather is one of those topics that opens up a whole can of worms..."
An electric vehicle (EV) is a type of car that runs on electricity instead of gasoline. This makes them better for the environment and often cheaper to operate.
An electric vehicle (EV) is a car that is powered entirely or partially by electricity, using electric motors instead of traditional internal combustion engines. They are known for being more environmentally friendly and often have lower operating costs.
Kia E-Niro
"...one of the best little EVs out there at the moment is the Kia E-Niro, friends of the podcast you'll know, Warren Phillips and Andrew Till, all drive them..."
The Kia E-Niro is a type of electric car that is known for being efficient and having a good driving range. It's popular because it can travel a long distance on a single charge, making it suitable for daily use.
The Kia E-Niro is an electric vehicle (EV) that has gained popularity for its efficiency and range. It's designed to be practical for everyday use, offering a good balance of performance and battery capacity.
battery range
"...one of the reasons they like them is because in the height of summer with a bit of judicious driving, they can cover 300 miles from a reasonably small battery."
Battery range is how far an electric car can go before it needs to be recharged. Things like how you drive and the weather can change how far you can go on one charge.
Battery range refers to the distance an electric vehicle can travel on a single charge of its battery. Factors such as driving style, terrain, and weather can affect this range.
Tesla
"Now some vehicles such as the Teslas and some of the newer Kears have a battery precondition function."
Tesla is a company that makes electric cars. They are famous for their advanced technology and have several popular models.
Tesla is a well-known electric vehicle manufacturer that produces a range of electric cars, including the Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y. They are recognized for their innovative technology and performance.
battery precondition function
"Now some vehicles such as the Teslas and some of the newer Kears have a battery precondition function. This specifically warms the battery up."
Battery preconditioning is when an electric car heats up its battery to make charging faster. This is especially useful when it's cold outside.
The battery precondition function is a feature in electric vehicles that warms the battery before charging. This helps to optimize the charging speed and efficiency, especially in cold weather conditions.
rapid charging
"...especially if you can rapidly charge it at a high kilowatt rate. This heats up the battery..."
Rapid charging means charging an electric car's battery very quickly, so you don't have to wait long to get back on the road. It's like using a fast charger for your phone instead of a regular one.
Rapid charging refers to the ability to charge an electric vehicle's battery at a significantly higher power level, reducing the time it takes to recharge. This is particularly useful for long-distance travel and can improve the vehicle's range quickly.
electrolyte
"...it gets the electrolyte moving, so plug it into a nearby charger..."
An electrolyte helps batteries work by allowing electricity to flow through them. It's like a special liquid that helps move energy around inside the battery.
An electrolyte is a substance that produces an electrically conducting solution when dissolved in a polar solvent, such as water. In batteries, it facilitates the movement of ions, which is essential for the battery's operation.
Dodge Charger
"... the electrolyte moving, so plug it into a nearby charger for a few moments and enjoy what happens to your ..."
The Dodge Charger is a big car that looks sporty and can go really fast. It's popular because it has a lot of power and is fun to drive, but it also has space for passengers and luggage, making it a good choice for families.
The Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan known for its muscular design and powerful performance, often associated with American muscle car culture. It offers a range of engine options, including V6 and V8 variants, making it popular among enthusiasts who appreciate speed and style. The Charger is frequently discussed for its blend of practicality and performance, appealing to both families and car lovers alike.
Polestar 2
"...Now I did a journey recently in my Polestar 2, leaving home with a temperature around minus 3 Celsius..."
The Polestar 2 is a fully electric car that offers a stylish design and modern technology. It's known for being eco-friendly and has a good driving range.
The Polestar 2 is an all-electric fastback that combines performance with sustainability. It features a minimalist design and advanced technology, making it a popular choice among electric vehicle enthusiasts.
four stroke cycle
"As Roger Atkins is fond of saying, the four stroke cycle of suck, squeeze, bang and blow has been around for ages. Air and petrol mixes sucked into the cylinder."
The four-stroke cycle is how many car engines work. It has four steps: taking in air and fuel, compressing it, igniting it to create power, and then getting rid of the exhaust gases.
The four-stroke cycle is a process used in internal combustion engines that consists of four distinct strokes: intake, compression, power, and exhaust. This cycle allows the engine to convert fuel into mechanical energy efficiently.
internal combustion engine
"...contributing to the inefficiency of the internal combustion engine. If you're very lucky and everything's well oiled, well sealed and brand new, you might get an efficiency of around 25%."
An internal combustion engine is a common type of engine found in most cars. It works by burning fuel to create small explosions that power the vehicle, but this process can waste a lot of energy.
An internal combustion engine is a type of engine where fuel and air are mixed and ignited within the engine's cylinders, producing power through controlled explosions. This process generates exhaust gases, which can be hot and contribute to the engine's overall inefficiency.
traction battery
"and take energy from the traction battery"
A traction battery is the big battery in electric cars that stores energy. It powers the electric motor and helps the car move.
A traction battery is a type of rechargeable battery used to store energy for electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles. It powers the electric motor and is crucial for the vehicle's performance and range.
heat pump
"...when you turn it on than if you're in a car with a heat pump like the top model in Eero's. The difference can be quite stunning."
A heat pump is a system that helps warm up the inside of your car by moving heat instead of creating it from scratch. This can save battery power compared to regular heaters.
A heat pump is a device that transfers heat energy from one place to another, often used in electric vehicles to heat the cabin more efficiently than traditional resistive heaters. This technology can help conserve battery range by using less energy to generate heat.
Volkswagen ID.3
"...my old ID3 did not have a heat pump installed."
The Volkswagen ID.3 is an electric car made by Volkswagen. It's designed to be eco-friendly and is part of their line of electric vehicles.
The Volkswagen ID.3 is an electric hatchback that is part of Volkswagen's ID family of electric vehicles. It is designed to offer a practical and efficient driving experience with a focus on sustainability.
gasometer
"the range on the gond, the gasometer, would drop by 12 or 15 miles instantly."
A gasometer is a tool in cars that shows how much fuel is left. It helps drivers know how far they can go before needing to refuel.
A gasometer is a device or gauge that measures the amount of fuel or energy remaining in a vehicle, often displayed as a range in miles or kilometers.
Kia Soul
"But the car I had prior to that, the Kia Soul, did have a heat pump. And turning on the heating would only drop around four miles off the range."
The Kia Soul is a small car with a distinctive shape that makes it stand out. It's roomy inside and comes with different types of engines, including one that runs on electricity.
The Kia Soul is a compact car known for its unique boxy design and practicality. It offers a spacious interior and is available with various engine options, including electric variants.
battery chemistry
"...the loss you'll experience is related to the battery chemistry, the efficiency and the type of heater..."
Battery chemistry is about what a battery is made of and how it works. Different types of batteries behave differently, which can affect how long they last and how well they perform.
Battery chemistry refers to the chemical composition and reactions that occur within a battery, which affect its performance, efficiency, and longevity. Different chemistries, like lithium-ion or nickel-metal hydride, have unique characteristics that influence how they store and release energy.
heated accessories
"...those I want to give you a few tips to minimize the drain on your battery from heating the car. And these hints come in the form of two words, heated accessories."
Heated accessories are things in your car that can warm you up, like heated seats or steering wheels. They make driving in cold weather more comfortable but can use up battery power.
Heated accessories are devices or features in a vehicle that provide warmth, such as heated seats, steering wheels, or exterior mirrors. These accessories can help improve comfort during cold weather but may also draw power from the vehicle's battery.
heated seats
"...I now won't consider an EV unless it has heated seats and a heated steering wheel..."
Heated seats are seats in a car that can warm up to keep you cozy when it's cold outside. You can usually change how warm they get.
Heated seats are a comfort feature in many vehicles that allows the seats to warm up, providing additional comfort during colder weather. This feature is often adjustable for different heat levels.
heated steering wheel
"...I now won't consider an EV unless it has heated seats and a heated steering wheel..."
A heated steering wheel is a steering wheel that gets warm so your hands don't get cold when it's chilly outside. It's a nice feature for comfort.
A heated steering wheel is a feature in some vehicles that warms the steering wheel to provide comfort during cold weather. It enhances the driving experience by keeping hands warm.
Polestar
"...I found out recently that the Polestar model I drive has heated seats both front and back..."
Polestar is a brand that makes electric cars, originally part of Volvo. They focus on making fast and eco-friendly vehicles.
Polestar is the performance electric vehicle brand that originated from Volvo, focusing on high-performance electric cars with advanced technology and sustainability in mind.
Chevrolet Silverado EV
"The example I learned about was the Chevy Silverado EV truck in the States for a huge battery."
The Chevy Silverado EV is a fully electric truck made by Chevrolet. It's designed to be powerful and efficient, just like traditional trucks but without using gasoline.
The Chevy Silverado EV is an all-electric version of Chevrolet's popular Silverado pickup truck, designed to offer a combination of utility and electric performance.
kilowatt
"It charges it over, well almost 300 kilowatts and unless you turn on the heater or air conditioning..."
A kilowatt is a way to measure how much electricity is being used or produced. For electric cars, it tells you how fast the car's battery can charge.
A kilowatt is a unit of power equal to 1,000 watts. In the context of electric vehicles, it measures the rate at which energy is used or produced, such as the charging speed of a battery.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.