15.11.2022
Electric Cars Are No Longer a Novelty in Bulgaria
More and more people trust electric vehicles and are already driving the future today. Even one of the biggest concerns for many—how EVs perform in winter—has now been overcome.
To this day, drivers of conventional cars, EV enthusiasts, and owners debate how efficient electric cars really are in cold weather. That’s why, in this article, we aim to clarify the topic and provide some tips on proper and battery-friendly EV usage in winter.
We've summarized all the key points in a short infographic (below) to help you remember the most important details for using an electric car in winter.
The Pros & Cons of EVs in Winter
The biggest advantages of an electric car remain unchanged, even in cold weather:
✔ Zero emissions
✔ Efficiency
✔ Sustainability
The main drawback is that range decreases at lower temperatures. Why?
🔹 You’ll use more energy for heating
🔹 Climate control, seat heating, and other comfort features draw extra power
5 Essential Winter Tips for EV Owners
1️⃣ Precondition Your Car
Every electric car has a preconditioning feature, which allows you to warm up or cool down both the battery and cabin before driving. This ensures the car is ready for the weather conditions while keeping the driver comfortable.
💡 How to do it?
📌 Set the temperature and duration remotely, preferably 30 minutes before departure.
📌 If you activate cabin heating while the car is charging, it will use power from the grid instead of the battery—this means a warm car and full battery!
🚨 Important:
Excessive heating can reduce EV range by up to 30%.
Pro tip: Use seat and steering wheel heating instead of full cabin heating—they consume less energy!
2️⃣ Park Indoors Whenever Possible
EV batteries don’t like the cold—they perform best in warm conditions.
💡 If you can park and charge in a garage, your battery will maintain its charge more efficiently.
💡 If parking in public areas, look for covered spots to shield your EV from the cold.
3️⃣ Monitor Your Tire Condition
Did you know that proper tire maintenance can increase your EV’s range in winter?
📌 Cold temperatures cause tire pressure to drop. Experts say that for every 10°C drop, tires lose 0.06–0.13 bar of pressure.
📌 Underinflated tires create more road friction, reducing efficiency and range.
🔹 Check your tire pressure frequently in winter—it can change daily!
🔹 Always follow the manufacturer's recommended pressure for optimal performance.
4️⃣ Use Eco Driving Mode
A smooth driving style is eco-driving—and this is key to battery efficiency in winter.
💡 Avoid sudden acceleration and hard braking.
💡 This will preserve battery life and reduce the risk of slipping on icy roads.
💡 Drive carefully and mindfully!
5️⃣ Enable Regenerative Braking
🔋 Regenerative braking is useful year-round, but even more so in winter, when you need to maximize battery life.
📌 If your EV has regenerative braking, it charges the battery when slowing down—this extends your driving range.
📌 It also reduces the risk of skidding on icy roads because it slows the vehicle down gradually.
🚨 Important:
While regenerative braking recaptures some energy, it won't fully recharge your battery. Your EV will still need to be plugged into a charging station for a full charge.
Conclusion: EVs in Winter—Efficient and Safe!
Thanks to smart features like preconditioning, eco-driving, and regenerative braking, winter doesn’t have to be a challenge for EV owners.
With the right preparation and driving habits, an electric vehicle can be even safer and more stable than a conventional gas-powered car in cold conditions.
🚗🔋 Drive smart. Stay warm. Enjoy your EV—whatever the weather! 🌨️⚡
