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How far will the EV go in the cold?

Pick a published cold-weather scenario or enter your own loss. The result shows expected range, practical range with a reserve and the charging stops for a trip.

Inputs

Starting values are illustrative, not current prices or specifications. Replace each with your own.

Result

Answer

In Recurrent's November 2025 study of 30,000 cars, EVs kept on average 78% of their maximum range at 32°F (0°C) and 70% at 20°F (−7°C). AAA's 2019 dynamometer testing found a 41% drop at 20°F with the cabin heater on. A 400 km car at a 30% loss has about 280 km.

Worked example

A car rated at 400 km, at a 30% winter loss (Recurrent's average at 20°F), has an expected range of 400 × 0.70 = 280 km. With a 10% reserve the practical range is 252 km. A 600 km trip then needs 600 ÷ 252 = 2.4 legs, so 3 legs and 2 charging stops.

Formulas and notes

Expected range = rated range × (1 − loss %).
Practical range = expected range × (1 − reserve %).
Stops = round up (trip ÷ practical range) − 1, and 0 if the trip fits in one leg. Each leg is assumed to start with a full battery, so shorten the rated range if you plan to charge only to 80%.
Recurrent: best car 88%, worst 69% of maximum range at 32°F; heat pumps extend range by about 10% at 32°F. AAA: 41% lower at 20°F with HVAC heat, 17% lower at 95°F with air conditioning (tested at 75°F baseline).
Conversions: 32°F = 0°C, 20°F is about −7°C, 95°F = 35°C.

Planning estimate only, not professional advice. Sources, checked 2026-10-08: Recurrent, Best EV for Winter & Cold Weather Range, 30,000 Car Study (Nov. 19, 2025) · AAA Newsroom, Icy Temperatures Cut Electric Vehicle Range Nearly in Half (Feb. 7, 2019)

FAQ

How much range does an EV lose in winter?

Recurrent's study of 30,000 cars found EVs kept an average of 78% of maximum range at 32°F and 70% at 20°F. AAA's 2019 test found a 41% reduction at 20°F with the heater running. Your car and driving will differ.

Which cold-weather number should I trust?

Neither is a forecast for your car. Recurrent's figures come from real-world data on many cars; AAA's come from controlled dynamometer tests of five EVs in 2019. Use them as a range, and replace them with your own winter results.

Does a heat pump help EV range in the cold?

Recurrent reports that heat pump technology extends EV range by about 10% at 32°F. Check whether your car has one.

What reserve should I keep?

This is a personal choice. A reserve makes the practical range shorter so a detour, headwind or a busy charger does not strand you. The field defaults to 10% as an assumption.

Does hot weather also cut range?

Yes. AAA found a 17% reduction at 95°F with air conditioning in its 2019 tests. Pick that scenario to see the effect.