How Much Does the Range of New Energy Vehicles Decrease in Winter?
3 Answers
New energy vehicles experience a range reduction of approximately 30% in winter, with the exact figure depending on the vehicle model and actual temperature. This is because as temperatures drop, the electrolyte in the battery becomes more viscous, increasing internal resistance and slowing down the movement of lithium ions. Additionally, the diffusion system of lithium-ion batteries within the active material decreases in low-temperature environments. Solutions to mitigate the reduced range of new energy vehicles in winter include: Parking the vehicle in a heated garage; Preventing the battery from getting too cold; Turning off unused electrical devices while driving; Driving smoothly and avoiding aggressive acceleration; Adding antifreeze; Ensuring the battery remains fully charged. Battery maintenance methods for new energy vehicles: Full Charge and Discharge: The simplest way to maintain a new energy vehicle's battery is to perform full charge and discharge cycles. After the vehicle is fully charged, continue charging for a while. Additionally, if there are no special power demands, it is recommended to drive in pure electric economy mode. Avoid using unqualified or modified power strips or charging devices. When the vehicle is not in use for an extended period, charge it fully before storage. These are basic maintenance practices that should not be overlooked. Pay attention to the charging and discharging range of the onboard battery. The optimal time to recharge is when the battery level is between 50%–70% or when the yellow light indicator appears. Scheduled Charging: If the vehicle is unused for a long time, try to perform a health charge once a month or use the battery until it reaches 50% after a full charge. The ideal environment temperature for battery charging is 25°C, which is difficult to achieve in cold winters, so indoor charging is preferable. If indoor charging is not possible, choose to charge during sunny daytime hours to enhance battery activity and minimize range loss.
Last winter, my new energy vehicle experienced a noticeable drop in range, losing about 30%. Originally, a full charge could cover 400 kilometers, but now it's down to around 280. There are several reasons for this. Primarily, low temperatures reduce battery performance, and using the heater consumes a lot of power. Preheating the battery before departure helps a bit—I found that warming the battery for half an hour at home using the charger can reduce the loss by about 5%. Another factor is that tire pressure tends to drop in cold weather, increasing rolling resistance. It's advisable to plan more charging stops in winter to avoid getting stranded. Generally, the range reduction varies by vehicle, ranging from 20% to 50%, depending on temperature, speed, and load. Keeping an eye on the range indicator while driving can provide peace of mind.
From my years of experience with electric vehicles, it's quite common to see a decrease in winter range, typically fluctuating between 20% to 50%, with an average around 30%. Low temperatures directly affect the chemical activity of the battery, especially lithium batteries, whose efficiency drops significantly below zero degrees Celsius. Additionally, powering seat heaters and the air conditioning consumes a large portion of the energy. For every 10-degree drop in temperature, the range decreases by about 10%. Another factor is the increased resistance due to lower tire pressure in cold weather. Driving habits can somewhat mitigate this, such as gently pressing the accelerator to reduce sudden acceleration. Choosing a model with a heat pump air conditioning system can yield better results. Remember to regularly check your vehicle's condition and maintain proper tire pressure to avoid additional energy consumption.
