Car care · Elgin Auto Sales & Service Center · Elgin, IL
EV Range in Cold Weather: What to Expect
Electric cars and hybrids lose more efficiency in the cold than conventional gas cars. Here is how much, why, and what helps, from fueleconomy.gov, the U.S. Department of Energy and EPA fuel economy site.
About 41%EV range drop at 20 degrees F
About 12%EV range drop without the cabin heater
About two-thirdsof the extra energy heats the cabin
About 30% to 34%hybrid city mileage drop
The short answer
Expect noticeably less range in winter. Fueleconomy.gov cites a 2019 AAA study: at 20 degrees F, an electric vehicle's fuel economy can drop roughly 39% in mixed city and highway driving and its range by 41%, and about two-thirds of the extra energy goes to heating the cabin. Without the cabin heater, EV range is about 12% lower at 20 degrees F than at 75 degrees F. Preheating the cabin while plugged in and using seat warmers instead of the cabin heater can help extend range.
How much cold weather cuts range and mileage
Fueleconomy.gov estimates for driving at 20 degrees F compared with normal temperatures (about 75 to 77 degrees F):
| Vehicle type | Estimated effect at 20 degrees F |
|---|---|
| All-electric vehicle | Fuel economy down roughly 39% in mixed city and highway driving; range down 41% |
| All-electric vehicle, cabin heater not used | Fuel economy about 8% lower and range about 12% lower than at 75 degrees F |
| Hybrid | Fuel economy down about 30% to 34% in city driving and on short trips; typically 20% to 40% in city driving and 25% to 45% on short trips |
| Conventional gasoline car | City gas mileage roughly 15% lower, up to 24% lower on 3- to 4-mile trips; typically 10% to 20% in city driving and 15% to 33% on short trips |
From Fuel Economy in Cold Weather (fueleconomy.gov), read November 9, 2026. EV estimates are based on a 2019 AAA study; gasoline and hybrid estimates on an Oak Ridge National Laboratory analysis, as fueleconomy.gov reports. Effects vary by model.
Why cold weather hurts EV range
Heating the cabin is the biggest factor: fueleconomy.gov says about two-thirds of the extra energy an EV uses in the cold goes to cabin heat. Other cold-weather effects it lists include:
- Battery performance decreases in cold weather, which also affects regenerative braking on hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles.
- Heated seats, window defrosters and heater fans use additional power.
- Colder air is denser, increasing aerodynamic drag, especially at highway speeds.
- Tire pressure decreases in colder temperatures, increasing rolling resistance.
- Icy or snow-covered roads reduce tire grip, wasting energy.
For context, fueleconomy.gov notes that most EVs can travel more than 100 miles on a charge, and some can go more than 200 or 400 miles depending on the model, so plan winter trips around a smaller cushion.
From Fuel Economy in Cold Weather (fueleconomy.gov) and All-Electric Vehicles (fueleconomy.gov), read November 9, 2026.
How to keep more range in winter
Fueleconomy.gov suggests these cold-weather tips. The first two are specific to plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles; the rest are general cold-weather efficiency tips:
- If you drive a plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle, preheat the cabin while it is plugged into the charger.
- If you drive a plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle, use the seat warmers instead of the cabin heater to save energy and extend range.
- Park in a warmer place, such as a garage.
- Combine trips so you drive less often with a cold engine.
- Check your tire pressure regularly. See how to check tire pressure.
- Remove roof racks and other accessories that add wind resistance when not in use.
From Fuel Economy in Cold Weather (fueleconomy.gov), read November 9, 2026.
Service at Elgin Auto Sales & Service Center
Need maintenance or repairs? Schedule service or see our service specials.
Our service department at 1200 E. Chicago St. in Elgin is open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is closed Sunday. Get directions.
EV range in cold weather FAQ
How much range does an electric car lose in the cold?
Fueleconomy.gov, citing a 2019 AAA study, says range can drop by 41% at 20 degrees F. When the cabin heater is not used, range is about 12% lower at 20 degrees F than at 75 degrees F.
Why do electric cars lose range in winter?
Mostly cabin heating, which uses about two-thirds of the extra energy. Battery performance also decreases in the cold, and denser air, lower tire pressure and slick roads add to it.
How can I get more EV range in winter?
Preheat the cabin while plugged into the charger, use the seat warmers instead of the cabin heater, park in a garage if you can, and keep your tires properly inflated.
Do hybrids lose gas mileage in the cold too?
Yes, typically more than gas-only cars. Fueleconomy.gov says hybrid fuel economy can drop about 30% to 34% at 20 degrees F in city driving and on short trips.
Does cold weather affect gas cars?
Yes. City gas mileage is roughly 15% lower at 20 degrees F than at 77 degrees F, and up to 24% lower on short trips of 3 to 4 miles.
What are your service hours?
Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. We are closed Sunday.
Get your car ready for winter
Visit us at 1200 E. Chicago St. in Elgin.
Sources
Cold-weather range and fuel economy figures are from fueleconomy.gov, the U.S. government fuel economy site administered for the Department of Energy and the EPA, read November 9, 2026; fueleconomy.gov bases its EV estimates on a 2019 AAA study. This is general information; your owner's manual is the authority for your vehicle. Our address and service hours are from our own website, checked the same day. Photo is of our dealership.
- Fuel Economy in Cold Weather (fueleconomy.gov), U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. EPA, read November 9, 2026
- All-Electric Vehicles (fueleconomy.gov), U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. EPA, read November 9, 2026
- Home page: address, Elgin Auto Sales & Service Center, read November 9, 2026
- Service page: service hours, Elgin Auto Sales & Service Center, read November 9, 2026