Warning issued to electric car owners as temperatures plummet

Colder weather has an impact on the maximum driving range of an electric vehicle because it adversely affects the batteries that are used to store the energy. Batteries rely on chemical reactions to release electricity and power the car, but low temperatures slow these reactions down and reduce the performance of the battery.According to Renault, its electric Zoe model from last year will do as much as 295 miles when travelling at a steady speed of 31 miles per hour when the outside temperature is 20 degrees.In the highly unlikely case that the temperature drops to -15 degrees, the same car travelling at the same speed will do just 220 miles.The faster the car is being driven, the lower the range, and in sub-zero temperatures, drivers can expect less than 100 miles of range in a Zoe at 80mph.Colder temperatures can also have an effect on charging stations, as public rapid-charging stations may be slower.READ MORE: Motorists are at risk of aquaplaning and huge fines this winter Warning issued to electric car owners as temperatures plummet. (Image: Getty)Tesla has acknowledged that extremely cold weather can result in a slower charging speed at its Supercharger stations.Drivers are advised to park their vehicle in an enclosed space, as it will trap heat and allow the battery to hold its charge for longer.This also helps when charging the vehicle, as the choice between parking and charging outdoors compared to in a multi-story, the indoor option will help the car run like normal.Most electric cars come with useful apps for drivers’ phones, allowing them to heat the car from the comfort of their homes.DON’T MISSE10 could affect ‘every’ petrol car on the road leading to issues [INSIGHT] Drivers urged to avoid E10 as it has no benefit over E5 [REVEAL] Drivers slammed for failing to follow new Highway Code rules [WARNING]  Colder weather has an impact on the maximum driving range of an electric vehicle. (Image: Getty) Electric cars during Covid. (Image: EXPRESS)’By reducing acceleration and limiting the power of cabin heaters to a certain extent, you’re maximising the battery efficiency during cold weather.’Like any vehicle, winter means planning in extra time for your journey and thinking about what your electric car needs before you set off.’Since EVs do not have an internal combustion engine running hot, there’s little additional waste heat that helps warm the passenger cabin.However, blasting the heating all around the cabin when it’s cold can drain the battery further and reduce its range.Drivers should try to restrict the heating to just the driver, whether it’s by turning air vents on or off, or controlling seat and steering wheel settings.It’s a more efficient use of the battery and consumes less electricity than heating the whole car.