EVs are often touted for cutting fuel costs and reducing carbon emissions. But they tend to struggle in cold weather: Freezing temperatures can slow charging and reduce performance, which has affected EV owners before<\/a>. <\/p>\n Here\u2019s what happens to your EV during the North Texas cold and how to prepare your car to get the most out of it. <\/p>\n News Roundups<\/p>\n By signing up, you agree to our\u00a0Terms of Service<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Privacy Policy.<\/a><\/p>\n An exterior view of Gigafactory Texas, Tesla\u2019s automotive manufacturing facility being constructed along Texas State Highway 130 at Tesla Rd. in Austin, Texas, Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021. <\/p>\n Tom Fox<\/p>\n How do cold temperatures affect EVs?<\/p>\n Liquid-based lithium-ion batteries are the most common type of batteries powering an EV. Cold weather slows<\/a> the chemical reactions in these batteries, with the lithium ions moving more sluggishly through the electrolyte liquid. The batteries therefore can\u2019t release as much energy, which cuts down their range and sometimes drains them faster. <\/p>\n The same chemical slowdown affects charging. In colder temperatures, batteries can\u2019t take in electricity as quickly, so charging takes longer. That\u2019s especially noticeable at fast-charging stations, where EVs often need to warm the battery before they can charge at top speed. <\/p>\n Studies show freezing temperatures can cut an EV\u2019s driving range by 25%<\/a> to 41%<\/a>, depending on conditions. An EV that can go 100 miles on a single charge at 70 degrees Fahrenheit may travel only about 59 to 75 miles in freezing weather, Inside Climate News reported in 2024<\/a>. <\/p>\n Ritesh Kumar of Arlington charges his Tesla Model 3 outside Esports Stadium Arlington after a band of sleet dropped about 2 inches in Arlington, Texas, January 31, 2023.<\/p>\n Tom Fox \/ Staff Photographer<\/p>\n Seattle-based Recurrent, which tracks EV battery performance, has found vehicles lose about a fifth of their range<\/a> on average around 32 degrees Fahrenheit \u2014 in part because drivers run the heater, which draws power from the battery. <\/p>\n Newer EVs are becoming better equipped for cold weather, using heat pumps to help warm the battery. According to 2025 data from Recurrent<\/a>, heat pumps can extend a vehicle\u2019s range by about 10% at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, making them an important consideration for drivers in colder climates. <\/p>\n How to get the most out of your EV during the cold<\/p>\n The most important step is to heat your EV before you drive or fast-charge. Warming the battery \u2014 often for about 15 minutes \u2014 can improve performance, speed up charging and reduce strain on the battery in frigid weather. If possible, keep the car plugged in while the battery warms so the energy used comes from the grid, according to Axios<\/a>. <\/p>\n A line of cars waits for a charging station at the Tesla Supercharger on North Central Expressway near Walnut Hill on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021, in Dallas. <\/p>\n Smiley N. Pool \/ Staff Photographer<\/p>\n In cold weather, EV drivers may need to adjust their charging habits to protect range and avoid falling short of power. Instead of stopping at 80% for daily use, charge closer to 100% on especially frigid days because more energy is spent keeping the battery and cabin warm, according to Cars.com<\/a>. It also helps to plan charging stops in advance \u2014 and have backup options \u2014 since stations can be busier and range estimates can drop faster than expected. <\/p>\n![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ZLXCB4LHXFBCZKL6FYS5FXXIM4.jpg\")
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