Mitigate range loss in cold temperatures?

[whippitbadger]

So I understand that the battery suffers significantly when it's cold out. Up here in the Northeast, there have already been plenty of days in the low 20's and the real cold is yet to come. I'm already finding that on the super cold days, I'm "using" ~50 miles of range to make the 23 mile drive to work. I'm curious to see how bad this gets when the temps drop below 0.

I already have started with reducing the interior temp from 70 to 60 degrees and using the seat warmer instead. I don't drive like a maniac so I can't really do much in terms of taking it easy with the acceleration. Does anyone have any other suggestions on improving my cold-weather range, or is this just what I have to get used to until spring comes around?

 

[derotam]

Yeah, it will get worse haha. I won't get those low temps where I am but I know it will get worse for you. If your car is warm(battery from charging and cabin from pre-heating) then there isn't much more you can do.

 

[ckoval7]

Schedule your charging so it finishes closer to when you want to leave home, warm the car up while it's plugged in, and just get used to the range loss over the winter.

 

[alee]

Chill mode, pre-heated cabin, heat off (or as low as you can take it), and seat warmers seems to be the magic combo so far for me.

 

[DR61]

So I understand that the battery suffers significantly when it's cold out.

I don't think the battery is suffering (meaning damage is being done to it); more battery energy is being used to make passengers comfortable and overcome increased drag from cold air and components, thus resulting in less range. Also the battery takes longer to charge, and can't accept as much regeneration when driving.

 

[TexasEV]

So I understand that the battery suffers significantly when it's cold out

It’s the battery owner who suffers. Batteries actually like the cold.

 

[ewoodrick]

If you are using 50 miles to go to work and 50 miles to come home, then charge every evening, then what's your problem? You've got plenty of range.

Best way to handle the loss of range, drive more conservatively. I find myself sometimes wanting traffic to slow a little, to get better range.

 

[derotam]

It’s the battery owner who suffers. Batteries actually like the cold.

But not too cold...