The Impact of Cold Weather on Electric Cars: A Comprehensive Test

TLDRIn this video, we test the impact of cold weather on an electric car by letting it sit outside in frigid temperatures overnight and then driving it to see how much range is affected. We use a Tesla Model 3 Performance and observe a decrease in range due to the cold weather.

Key insights

🌡️Cold weather significantly affects the range of electric cars.

❄️Leaving an electric car in freezing temperatures overnight leads to decreased battery efficiency.

Preconditioning the car before driving can help mitigate the impact of cold weather on range.

🔌Charging an electric car in cold weather may be less efficient due to lower battery capacity.

🚙Using snow-rated tires can improve traction and safety in snowy conditions when driving an electric car.

Q&A

How much does cold weather affect the range of an electric car?

Cold weather can significantly decrease the range of an electric car, as the battery is less efficient in low temperatures.

What can be done to mitigate the impact of cold weather on electric car range?

Preconditioning the car before driving, storing it in a garage, and using the car's seat and steering wheel heaters can all help mitigate the impact of cold weather on range.

Does leaving an electric car in freezing temperatures overnight affect its battery?

Yes, leaving an electric car in freezing temperatures overnight can lead to decreased battery efficiency and therefore decreased range.

Can charging an electric car in cold weather be less efficient?

Yes, charging an electric car in cold weather may be less efficient due to lower battery capacity. It is recommended to precondition the battery before charging in cold weather.

Are snow-rated tires necessary for driving an electric car in snowy conditions?

While not necessary, using snow-rated tires on an electric car in snowy conditions can improve traction and safety during winter driving.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Introduction to the test: How cold weather affects electric cars.

02:25Testing the range of an electric car after letting it sit outside in frigid temperatures overnight.

06:30Observations on the decrease in range due to cold weather.

10:45Discussing the factors that contribute to decreased range in cold weather.

13:20Arriving at the Tesla Supercharger and concluding the test.

13:40Final thoughts on the impact of cold weather on electric cars.