Overview
- New reports describe electric cars losing roughly 20–50% of their driving range in subzero conditions, prompting more frequent charging stops.
- Low temperatures hinder lithium‑ion chemistry, raising consumption for battery conditioning and cabin heat and cutting usable energy.
- Public charging often takes longer as packs are warmed before fast charging and power is limited to protect cells, extending trip times.
- Models with heat pumps and effective thermal management are less affected, and guidance stresses preconditioning, gentler driving, modest cabin heating, and warmer storage or charging locations.
- Garages in Île‑de‑France say battery call‑outs have doubled, users report rapid drain on phones and power‑tool packs at −7°C, and Le Figaro urges automakers to disclose cold‑weather range on spec sheets.