Delhi winter EV efficiency – Delhi winter might be affecting your EV’s efficiency: Here’s how |

Temperatures in North India are dropping well below 5 degrees as per the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and a previously unthought issue might be faced by some TOI Auto readers who own electric vehicles. Commonly used lithium-ion battery packs in EVs are known to be less efficient in cold weather conditions. As the battery packs rely on chemical reactions to generate electricity, the lithium ions move from the anode to the cathode to generate that energy. This process is slowed down in cold weather leading to the battery performing less efficiently and restricting the range that can be extracted on a full charge.

According to research done by the American Automobile Association, EVs can lose up to 12 percent of their range when driving in extreme cold conditions. In below freezing temperatures, the loss of range can be up to a drastic 40 percent. The cold weather also has an effect on the charging time of an EV, the time taken to achieve a full charge on your EV can be increased by up to 400 percent depending upon the severity of cold. So if as an EV owner you have been noticing a difference in your vehicle’s performance, do not be alarmed as the weather can be blamed for a large part.

However, unlike EV owners living in extremely cold countries such as Norway, there is no real danger of long-term battery degradation for owners here in India. Moreover, Battery Management Systems (BMS) of the majority of EVs thaw the battery pack to temperatures above zero degree celsius before the charging operation gets initiated. In a premium EV, it is likely that the manufacturer has installed auxiliary heat pumps for better performance in cold weather.
What can you do?
If you use your EV for short daily commutes, before driving your vehicle, turn on the heater, defrost the windows and switch on the heated ventilated seats or steering for a few minutes if the vehicle has them. Lithium-ion batteries work best when warm and this can help bring the temperature up and limit energy loss. You and your passengers getting a toasty ride to your destination is an added benefit.

Have you noticed any of the cold weather symptoms in your EV? Tell us in the comments.