Understanding EV Ranges in Cold Weather: How Freezing Temperatures Affect Electric Cars

New car owners often have questions about the range of their vehicles. This is especially true for electric cars, as they are more sensitive to temperature changes and their efficiency can vary greatly depending on driving conditions. A recent conversation between a new BMW iX 40 M Sport owner and other EV drivers provides insight into how range varies with temperature, driving style, and other factors.

The new owner had previously owned a Jaguar iPace for 2 and a half years, so was familiar with EV ownership and driving. The quoted range of the iPace was 298 miles, but the most they ever got out of it was 250 miles. In summer months, the range was around 220-230 miles, while in winter it dropped to 180-200 miles.

In comparison, the BMW iX50 has been performing much better in terms of range. The driver reported getting 389 miles from 100% SOC after a 100 mile drive at 3.6 mi/kWh efficiency. They also noted that pressing the config button on the steering wheel allows them to select ‘Values for this trip’ which shows m/kWh (it changes from kWh/h once the car is in motion). There is also a car widget on the control display which shows values since the start of journey.

Real-world comparative range tests show that drivers are consistently getting between 3.3 and 3.6 mi/kWh in their 50s, equating to a real-world range of 350-380 miles. However, when temperatures drop below 3 degrees Celsius, motorway journeys can drop to 160 miles max. Short journeys can see an even bigger drop in battery life due to pre-heating functions being used for comfort.

It's clear that freezing weather has a significant effect on EV range - something the new owner experienced first hand. To get the best performance out of your EV during cold snaps, try keeping climate control functions off where possible and opting for longer trips instead of short runs. Once temperatures warm up again you should be able to achieve optimal results.