GuideOwn7 minutesReviewed 28 July 2026
How much range do EVs lose in hot and cold weather?
The short answer. Cold weather usually has the larger immediate effect because the battery and cabin require heating. Extreme heat also increases cooling demand. The size of the change depends on the vehicle, trip length, speed, parking conditions, and whether the battery is preconditioned.
Check a car’s published figuresShort trips show the largest percentage change
Heating or cooling the cabin and battery is a fixed energy cost at the start of a trip. Repeating that process across several short journeys can use more energy per kilometre than one continuous drive.
Preconditioning helps
Heating or cooling the car while it remains plugged in can improve comfort and preserve more battery energy for driving. Battery preconditioning can also improve rapid-charging performance.
Plan from consumption, not fear
Use the vehicle’s recent energy consumption and the next reliable charging stop. A single universal percentage is less useful than the car’s actual behaviour in your conditions.