What Are the Winter Range Issues of New Energy Vehicles?
3 Answers
In cold climates, the rapid decline in battery capacity significantly affects the range of electric vehicles. Although the range of electric vehicles is increasing, it is still difficult to withstand the substantial reduction in battery performance during cold weather. Additional information: The impact of low-temperature environments on the activity of the electrolyte inside the battery: In low temperatures, the diffusion and movement capabilities of charged ions in the positive and negative electrode materials deteriorate, making it more difficult for them to pass through the passivation film between the electrodes and the electrolyte, thereby reducing the transfer speed. Even after lithium ions reach the negative electrode, their diffusion within the material becomes less smooth, and lithium may even condense on the negative electrode.
After driving an electric car, I noticed that the winter range issue is quite a headache. The main reason is that low temperatures significantly reduce battery performance. A full charge that could normally cover 400 kilometers might drop to around 200 kilometers in winter. The air conditioning and heating systems consume a lot of power—keeping the heater on for warmth can use an extra 20-30% of the battery. Additionally, cold weather slows down the chemical reactions in the battery, reducing its capacity and making charging slower than usual. Regenerative braking is less effective in low temperatures, recovering less energy. I recommend parking indoors whenever possible to avoid leaving the car outside overnight, as this helps maintain battery temperature. Pre-heating the battery via a mobile app before departure can slightly improve range. Newer models equipped with heat pump air conditioning are better, using half the energy of traditional electric heaters. Regularly checking tire pressure and air conditioning efficiency, along with smooth driving and avoiding sudden acceleration, can also help improve winter range significantly.
I've been driving a new energy vehicle for several years, and every winter the range drops significantly. It's common for the actual mileage to be one-third less than the labeled range. The key issue is that low temperatures reduce battery output, and charging requires additional heating for the battery, which in turn consumes more electricity. The biggest drain comes from using the air conditioning for heating, especially in northern sub-zero environments where the energy consumption of the AC can ruin the entire travel plan. Tires also face increased resistance on icy surfaces, and poor gliding affects the range. My personal experience suggests developing a pre-heating habit—using an app to warm up the battery before heading out can save some energy. Additionally, avoid long-distance high-speed driving as cold air is denser and wind resistance increases. In winter, take advantage of charging opportunities more frequently to maintain a full battery. Also, choosing an insulated garage or using a car cover for warmth provides simple protection that can reduce mileage loss and alleviate range anxiety.
