5 reasons to get an EV this winter

Fun fact: In Norway, 90% of new cars sold are either fully electric or plug-in hybrids.

Why do Norwegians love EVs so much? It might have something to do with how well they handle cold weather. And it’s not just Norway. Sweden, Iceland, and the Netherlands are all top countries for EV adoption.

So, if you’re looking for a car that can handle colder driving temperatures this winter, should an EV be at the top of your list?

EVs are a fantastic option for adverse winter driving conditions because:

• Instant torque: An EV’s lack of gears means it can accelerate or slow down smoothly and consistently, even in freezing temperatures. This differs from petrol cars, which take longer to respond. You’ll find pulling away on snow and ice much easier – though, just as with a petrol car, slow and steady wins the race.
• Digital driving: Your EV is essentially a computer on wheels, capable of making quick, precise decisions about wheel speed and overall control. It understands what the driver wants, rather than just responding to mechanical inputs.
• All-wheel drive (AWD): Many EVs now offer dual-motor AWD. This system automatically distributes power to each wheel as needed. If a wheel slips, the power is redirected, maintaining traction and helping prevent you from sliding or spinning out.

Most modern EVs include regenerative braking as standard. This feature slows the car by using its motor, converting kinetic energy back into battery charge. This not only boosts range but also provides winter benefits because regenerative braking relies less on brake pads, it’s easier to maintain traction on icy roads. And, you’ll reduce wear and tear on your brake pads and experience a significantly lower chance of locking up and sliding.

You’ll never again have to sit in a freezing car waiting for the heating to kick in. Say goodbye to frozen fingers scraping the windscreen while your morning routine runs late.

Unlike petrol cars, EVs can heat the cabin separately from the motor, a feature often called “Cabin Pre-Conditioning.” Many manufacturers offer apps to manage this remotely. Make your coffee, set a toasty cabin temperature, and step into a perfectly warmed car. If your EV is plugged in, it can draw energy from the charger, preserving your battery range.

EVs don’t rely on the heat generated by an internal combustion engine. You can more efficiently warm just the people in the car, rather than the entire cabin. And since electric motors aren’t as affected by cold weather, there’s no need to idle while waiting. This means less pollution and no tough choices between staying warm or saving the environment while waiting at the school gates.

A petrol engine is a complex machine with numerous moving parts and various fluids. In cold conditions, these fluids thicken and can lead to harder starts and poorer performance. In some parts of Scandinavia, petrol cars must even be plugged into an oil warmer just to start properly. How’s that different from charging your EV?

In comparison, an EV’s drivetrain is much simpler, with fewer moving parts. You won’t need to idle or wait for the engine to reach optimum temperature.

It’s true EV batteries operate best around 21°C, and you may see a 10-20% drop in range in very cold, snowy conditions. Modern EVs, however, are designed with battery heating and management systems to minimise weather-related performance dips. You can even pre-heat the battery from the charger, meaning you lose even less range.

However, you need to consider that most modern EVs have a range of 200+ miles, with 250+ becoming more common. And, this means that even at the lower end, 180 miles of winter range is still plenty for several commutes, shorter tips, or a journey from London to Leeds in one go. And if you charge at home every day, you never have to worry about running low – plus you can take advantage of cheaper, off-peak energy rates.

It’s also important to remember that petrol cars also become less efficient in the cold, but since they’re already inefficient, you tend not to notice.

• Great traction on icy roads, thanks to instant torque for both acceleration and deceleration.
• Stay toasty with remote cabin heating.
• No wasted time idling your engine on frosty mornings.
• Save money on winter maintenance due to fewer moving parts.