Electric vehicle (EV) owners across the UK are being alerted to a widespread winter habit that is needlessly draining their car's battery and increasing running costs.
Motoring experts have issued a clear warning to drivers of battery-powered cars, stating that leaving vehicles parked on the driveway during cold nights is a common error that impacts performance.
The Garage vs Driveway Rule
The key advice is simple: where possible, EV owners should keep their cars in a garage during freezing weather. This is because vehicles left outside take significantly longer to warm up, a process that consumes substantial battery capacity before a journey even begins.
Ali Ingram-Seal, head of motor insurance at Saga, emphasised the unique challenges of winter for EV drivers. "Electric vehicles are becoming a familiar sight on British roads, but winter driving still poses unique challenges for all motorists," he said.
"Understanding how the cold can affect your car’s performance is key to avoiding unnecessary breakdowns or safety risks."
Why Cold Weather Hits EV Range
The science behind the warning is clear. Low temperatures slow down the electrochemical reactions inside an EV's battery, making it less efficient. Furthermore, the vehicle itself uses extra energy to heat the battery pack to an optimal operating temperature.
This dual effect can lead to a notable drop in driving range. Experts estimate that in winter, an EV's range can decrease by around 20%, meaning drivers may use more of their battery capacity for daily trips.
Mike Vousden, an EV expert at Motorpoint, provided specific advice on cabin heating, a major drain on power. "Using your cabin heater on full blast could reduce your range by as much as 17%," he cautioned.
"A more efficient option is to use heated seats; it’s a smaller system and with less area to heat, it will use a fraction of the range that heating the whole car would."
Maximising Performance and Minimising Costs
Following the 'garage rule' is highlighted as a straightforward method for owners to protect their vehicle's efficiency and keep expenses in check. By starting a journey with a warmer battery, less energy is wasted on initial heating, preserving more charge for the road ahead.
This guidance forms part of a broader set of winter tips for EV drivers, who must adapt their habits to seasonal conditions just like other motorists, albeit with different technical considerations.
The collective advice from insurance and vehicle specialists is to be proactive. Simple changes, like choosing where to park overnight and using seat heaters instead of the main climate control, can make a significant difference to an electric car's winter viability and an owner's wallet.
