THE SHORT ANSWER
Cold batteries deliver and accept energy less efficiently, while cabin heating, demisting and wet winter roads add demand. There is no single percentage that applies to every EV or journey: short trips can show the biggest reduction because the car warms itself repeatedly.
Why the range estimate falls
Battery chemistry is temperature-sensitive. The car may use energy to warm the battery, and occupants also need heat, demisting and sometimes heated windows. Cold, dense air and wet roads increase resistance, while winter tyres and lower pressures can add more.
A five-mile journey can look particularly inefficient because the initial heating energy is spread over very few miles. On a longer trip the cabin reaches temperature and that fixed initial demand becomes a smaller part of the total.
Precondition while plugged in
If the car supports scheduled preconditioning, warm the cabin before leaving while it is still connected to the charger. This improves comfort and can reduce the energy taken from the battery at the start of the journey.
Some cars also warm the battery before rapid charging. Use the car's built-in charger navigation when the manual recommends it, because selecting the destination can trigger the correct preparation automatically.
Plan from recent real-world consumption
Use the car's recent miles-per-kWh figure and current conditions rather than relying only on an official range. For a long winter trip, identify more than one charging option and arrive with a buffer rather than targeting zero.
- Check tyre pressures when the tyres are cold.
- Use seat and steering-wheel heaters where appropriate; they warm occupants directly.
- Drive smoothly and remember that sustained high speed has a large effect on consumption.
- Clear snow and unnecessary heavy items before setting off.
- Expect rapid charging to slow near a high state of charge and when the battery is very cold.
Do not sacrifice visibility or safety
Do not switch off demisting or drive with an uncomfortably cold cabin just to protect the range display. Use the heating required for clear windows and safe concentration, then adjust speed or add a charging stop if needed.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
How much range does an electric car lose in winter?
There is no universal figure. The result depends on temperature, journey length, speed, heating, tyres and the vehicle's battery management. Short repeated trips often show a larger percentage reduction.
Does a heat pump stop winter range loss?
A heat pump can use less energy for cabin heating than a resistance heater in suitable conditions, but it does not remove every cold-weather effect and its advantage varies with temperature.
Should I preheat an EV while charging?
Yes, when the car supports it. Preconditioning from mains power warms the cabin before departure and can reduce the initial demand on the battery.
SOURCES & FURTHER READING
Check the current guidance
Rules, grants, tariffs and prices can change. Follow the linked source before making a financial or installation decision.