How winter drains your EV battery — and what you can do
Cold weather hits EVs harder than gas cars because the battery must generate its own heat. There is no waste engine heat to warm the cabin. At 0°F (-18°C), a typical EV loses 25-35% of its EPA range. In a Canadian prairie deep freeze at -30°F (-34°C), losses can reach 40-50%. The calculator above uses real-world data from Canadian and northern US EV owners to give you a realistic estimate for your specific vehicle and conditions.
| Temperature | Range loss (resistive) | Range loss (heat pump) | Overnight cabin heat (8h) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20°F to 32°F (-7°C to 0°C) | 15-20% | 10-15% | 8-12 kWh |
| 0°F to 20°F (-18°C to -7°C) | 25-35% | 18-25% | 12-18 kWh |
| -20°F to 0°F (-29°C to -18°C) | 35-45% | 25-35% | 18-25 kWh |
Range loss estimates based on aggregated owner reports from Canadian and northern US EV forums, CAA winter testing data, and manufacturer cold-weather guidance. Actual loss varies with wind, snow depth, tire type, and driving style. This calculator is an informational planning tool, not a guarantee.