Both gas and electric cars lose efficiency in very cold temperatures, but this will not significantly impact the average driver. EVs can experience temporarily reduced range in cold temperatures because the cold can slow the chemical and physical reactions needed to power an EV.
The cold impacts some EV models more than others. Some lose as little as 15% of their range and others lose more. While this may be a challenge on a sub-freezing long-distance road trip, most EVs have far more than enough range for daily driving and longer-distance travel.
One way to preserve your range in winter is to precondition your car by setting it to preheat the cabin, seats, and steering wheel while it is still plugged into a charger. Many EVs have an app that allows you to do this from the comfort of your home or office. Few things beat climbing into a cozy, pre-heated EV on a cold winter day. Ask the people of Norway, where 94% of vehicle sales are electric.
