How Does Weather Affect Electric Vehicles?

We all know the famous rhyme - rain, rain, go away, come again another day. When you’re on the road in Britain, you probably say this most days.

Whilst we understand how the weather is affecting drivers, many people ask how their electric vehicle is affected by the varying UK conditions. Snow in the winter, sunshine in the summer, strong cross winds in the Autumn and rain all year round, how will your electric vehicle handle the conditions?

Well, grab your brolly, hat and gloves, shorts and sun cream before letting us help you master the testing conditions both in the sky and on the roads.

Can you charge an electric car in the rain?

It rains roughly 50% of the year in the United Kingdom - 164 days in 2024 - so this seems like a fair question, especially as we’re told as youngsters that water and electricity don’t mix.

Keeping it simple, yes, you can charge your EV in the rain! 

You might want to dash into our amenity building for a Costa Coffee break to wait in our warm, comfortable seating area, though.

Like all technology, EV cars and their associated chargers are fitted with safety features, both necessary to meet international safety standards. 

For example, charging cables are wrapped in either rubber or polyurethane to protect the cable from general wear and tear as well as dust and water. 

You’ll spot an IP rating on the cable that gives a rating for how well the cable can protect from dust and water! 

IP67, IP68 and IP69 have different levels of water protection. IP67 and IP68 denote that the cable has protection for temporary immersion in water, although the former is much more affordable and much more appropriate for EV vehicles. 

On the other hand, IP69 is protected against high-power water - i.e. jet-washing - and is usable in higher operation temperatures. These types of cables are rarely found for EV usage.

IP65 and 66 also have appropriate water protection, with the former having best-in-class dust protection. 

Keeping a long story short before your long journey, you can charge your electric car in the rain.

Will the rain affect my range?

It’s not the rain that directly affects your driving range in an electric vehicle; it's the standing water that sits on the surface of the motorway that will reduce your EV range.

Due to the additional friction created by the surface water, range will be reduced as your vehicle has to work harder to power through the water. 

You’ll also use more energy if you’re trying to drive faster - just imagine swimming harder and faster, it's tiring work!

The easiest way to avoid range anxiety is to make sure your tyres - your only four points of contact with the road - are properly inflated, have the appropriate level of tread and are in good condition.

Plus, steady driving, rather than fluctuating speed, will help with your range.

Will temperature affect my Electric Vehicle Range?

EVs do have a window of temperature where they operate at their optimum, between 15 degrees and 35 degrees.

As the average temperature in the UK in Summer 2024 was 14.37 degrees, British drivers should have no worries about their car being at its best when they’re on their way to the beach.

Battery drain and range decrease are most likely during colder months though, mainly due to simple chemistry. 

Chemical reaction in the battery is slower, due to the particles operating with less energy. 

This isn’t just the case in EVs, though; ICE vehicles will be less efficient in colder weather, too.

Cold, dark winter weather is even more likely to affect your range though, simply because you’ll be using more of the car's electrical systems. Use of headlights and heating will reduce your battery range.

Top tips for maximising your EV’s range

Like ICE vehicles, steady driving and smooth braking are the name of the game and will help remove the likelihood of range anxiety.

When driving in winter, you don’t have to start your journey in a coat and gloves. 

Simply heat your car in advance, often called preconditioning, whilst you’re plugged in.

Finally, keeping your vehicle topped up with power will ensure you are travelling at your optimum. 

With 126 high-powered, 46 medium-powered & 32 AC chargers across 31 Roadchef sites, wherever your journey takes you and whatever the weather, we’re here to support you with your recharge

Plus, if the weather is cold or wet, let us warm you up with a selection of tasty drinks from Costa Coffee and heart-warming dishes from McDonald's, LEON, Coco di Mama, Chozen Noodle or our home brands.