How Will Climate Control Affect My EV & Its Range? A Guide For New EV Drivers

Why Climate Control Impacts EVs More Than Petrol Cars
Sun, rain, frost, fog - Britain has quite the mixed bag weather-wise. And often, that weather can mean that your EV loses range.
But in the depths of winter, nobody wants to travel in a cold car, right?
In the following article, we’ll explore why EV battery performance differs in hot and cold weather and how you can improve your EV efficiency.
Unlike traditional ICE vehicles that use waste heat from the engine to warm up your car, EVs draw energy from the battery to power the climate control to make your journey comfortable. Ultimately, this reduces your battery performance.

The Impact of Cold Weather on EV Range
Nobody wants to drive in a puffer jacket and gloves but did you know that you can lose range in colder climes? It’s not just because of heating either!
Chemical reactions slow down in cold weather and this is no different with your EV vehicle battery. You can expect to lose as much as 40% of range, according to consumer research company What Car?
It’s not just the efficiency of your EV battery that affects your range. A vehicle uses a lot more energy to create heat for warming your fingers and toes, than it does to transfer or remove heat when cooling. Just imagine how long it takes to heat your whole house in winter compared to how quickly it gets cold when you open a window!
Pre-conditioning your vehicle before you move can help improve winter performance whilst aiming for a comfortable temperature - like the three bears, not too hot, not too cold - will help preserve range.
The Effect of Hot Weather & Air Conditioning on EV Range
As summers get warmer, hot weather EV performance will be a hot topic - pun intended.
Although air conditioning uses less power than heating, it still reduces range. There can be factors outside of the vehicle that reduce range too - ambient temperature, weather and road conditions being the main three.
It’s not just your cabin that needs cooling, though, battery cooling systems work to keep your - as the name suggests - battery cool and your journey safe.
Of course, battery cooling systems work harder in higher temperatures and more humid environments. For best efficiency, look for a vehicle with liquid cooling.
Our best advice? Where possible, try to park in the shade to limit the ‘greenhouse effect’ and continue to use pre-conditioning to preserve your range.
You can preserve your range even more if you pre-cool when plugged in, but this may reduce long-term battery life.

How to Maximise EV Range When Using Climate Control
Whilst wearing a jumper and two pairs of socks is practical advice if you’re just leaving home, a sudden cold snap whilst on the road can catch you unawares and mean you have to crank up your climate control to stay toastie.
As mentioned previously, pre-conditioning your vehicle whilst plugged in at home can help avoid draining the battery, but may reduce long-term battery life.
Pre-conditioning to a sensible, comfortable temperature will help if you’re heating whilst driving, rather than aiming for the maximum and hoping for the best.
Heated seats, whilst still channelling power from your battery to keep you warm, use less energy than heating up the whole vehicle.
But if you are cranking up your heating and looking to improve your EV range in winter or beyond, eco-driving techniques can help ensure you get the most out of your range.
Driving smoothly at a consistent speed can help limit range loss (and range anxiety). Why not check out our article on how to get the most out of your range?
Do Some EVs Handle Climate Control Better Than Others?
In simple terms, the answer is yes! EVs have long been at the cutting edge of technology - we’re thinking regenerative braking - and heating your vehicle is no different.
Like modern housing, heat pumps have revolutionised how EVs ‘warm up’ their cabin. Heat pumps work by pulling air from the outside, compressing it and using that excess heat to warm you up on colder drives. Vehicles that have heat pumps tend to have reduced range loss.
Some vehicles that have heat pumps are:
- Tesla Model 3
- BMW i4
- Jaguar i-Pace
Teslas, BMWs and Porsches offer heat pumps as a vehicle standard; one to consider if you’re looking to purchase an EV. Many other brands offer heat pumps as an upgrade to the standard model.
Of course, not all EVs are equally affected. Age of vehicle, battery size, tyre quality, braking sharpness, and more can all affect range.

Need a Break? Warm Up & Recharge at Roadchef
Driving in the cold, in fact, even thinking about driving in the cold can be tiring. Regardless of vehicle, it’s recommended to take a break from driving every two hours.
There’s nowhere better to make a pitstop than at the EV-friendly motorway services that Roadchef offer at 31 locations across the United Kingdom. Planning your stops is great to avoid range anxiety too.
With a range of drinks and food available to enjoy alongside high-powered EV chargers from GRIDSERVE for you to settle down, relax and recharge your batteries whilst your EV does the same.
Park up and settle down in a warm, comfortable seat with your favourite hot drink from Costa Coffee or grab yourself a treat from our confectionery range at WHSmith.
Climate Control Doesn’t Have to Drain Your EV’s Range
In conclusion, whilst heating and air conditioning do reduce range, they are an absolute essential for comfortable driving.
There’s no need to be fearful to ‘flick the switch’ though, with smart driving (efficient acceleration, smart braking and holding a consistent speed) and planning your journey can really help.
Pre-conditioning your vehicle whilst plugged in and reducing range loss - who doesn’t want to start their morning with a warm car that you can ‘switch on’ whilst you make your morning coffee?
When choosing a vehicle, look out for heat pumps with certain brands fitting them as a standard feature.
Finally, plan the ultimate EV range loss solution by stopping at Roadchef for use of our high-powered EV Chargers, powered by GRIDSERVE.