How to Make Your EV Battery Last Longer During Winter
Winter driving in London can be tough, especially when you rely on an electric vehicle to earn a living. Cold temperatures reduce battery efficiency, limit range, and affect how your EV performs throughout the day. But with the right habits and tools, you can drive smarter, preserve battery life, and maintain your income.
Article Highlights
This article shares expert tips for maximising your EV battery’s performance during winter, including:
- Precondition before you drive
- Keep your EV plugged in when not in use
- Drive the car gently
- Go easy on the heater, and more.
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Precondition Before You Drive
Some EVs come with a preconditioning feature. This feature automatically adjusts the vehicle’s cabin and battery temperature before driving while still plugged into a charger. You can use this feature to:
- Save battery power for driving.
- Improve cabin comfort before starting your shift.
- Avoid using climate control as it drains the battery fast.
Tip: Activate this feature 20-30 minutes before your shift for best results.
Keep Your EV Plugged In When Not in Use
EVs can lose charge while parked, as background systems continue running to maintain battery health.
- To help preserve your battery’s health and maximise your driving range, it’s best to keep your EV plugged in when not in use. Many modern electric cars draw power directly from the charger to maintain the battery pack at an optimal temperature, instead of drawing power from the battery itself. This means your battery stays in good condition and you’ll have more range available when needed.
- Avoid letting your battery sit below 20% or above 90% for too long. Running the battery too low can cause deep discharge cycles, which gradually reduce battery capacity and shorten range. On the other hand, a high battery level increases stress on the high-voltage components and speeds up chemical wear. Both these factors negatively affect the battery lifespan.
Drive the Car Gently
Your driving style has a big impact on your EV battery’s performance and lifespan.
- Sudden braking and rapid acceleration put extra stress on the battery, causing the cells to heat up and potentially damaging them over time.
- Drive gently, let the car build up speed gradually, and use regenerative braking wisely.
Regenerative braking in EVs helps recharge the battery every time you slow down. To use it, simply ease off the accelerator instead of pressing the brake; the car will slow down and recover energy. Most EVs let you adjust the regen level in the settings or drive mode menu. Use higher regen in city driving for frequent stops, and try one-pedal driving if your car supports it. This helps extend your range, reduce brake wear, and make your driving more efficient.
Many drivers underestimate how much cold weather impacts EV performance, but Fleeto drivers are better prepared. With our experience supporting hundreds of PCO drivers through winter seasons, we’ve learned what works on the road.
We don’t just rent out electric vehicles. We offer practical support, seasonal advice, and charging tips to help you stay efficient, comfortable, and profitable.
Go Easy on the Heater
Staying warm is essential in winter, but relying too much on climate control can drain the battery fast.
- Use heated seats and a steering wheel as they consume less power.
- Dress warmly so you do not rely too much on the car heating system.
- Try running the heater in short bursts rather than leaving it on full throughout the trip, and turn on ‘recirculate’ mode. This helps maintain comfort while preserving your battery for a longer driving range.
Park Smartly
Where you park also affects battery temperature and performance.
- Avoid parking in snowbanks or an exposed, frozen area overnight.
- To maintain a more stable battery temperature, park in covered areas at night and in sunny spots during the day.
- Use insulated window covers to prevent heat loss through the glass, if available.
If parking outside is your only option, consider using a battery blanket to protect the battery from the cold.
Check Your Tyres Regularly
- Low tyre pressure increases rolling resistance, which drains your battery faster.
- Check tyre pressure weekly during winter and keep tyres properly inflated.
- Consider using winter tyres. They offer better grip, deeper tread, shorter braking distances, and improved control in cold weather.
These steps help improve efficiency and ensure safer driving conditions.
Plan Your Charging Stops
Winter can slow down charging and strain your EV battery if not managed well:
- Drive briefly before charging to warm up the battery; this improves efficiency and reduces long-term wear.
- Charge the battery when it’s warm to avoid long, inefficient charging sessions.
- Use reliable route planning tools like ABRP (A Better Route Planner), Zap-Map, and PlugShare to find high-quality chargers and avoid delays.
You can also use free EV charging stations. However, they come with certain conditions. Discover more about free EV charging stations in London here.
Why EV Batteries Struggle in Winter
EV batteries use lithium-ion cells that rely on chemical reactions to store and release energy. In cold weather:
- These reactions slow in cold temperatures, reducing battery efficiency.
- The car uses extra energy to heat the cabin and the battery.
- Regenerative braking may be limited when the battery is cold. As a result, your driving range can drop by 20% to 40%, depending on how cold it gets.
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Conclusion
Winter doesn’t have to slow you down. With the right approach, your EV can stay efficient, your passengers can stay warm, and your earnings can stay on track. By making the adjustments outlined in this article, your EV can stay reliable throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to prevent my EV battery from getting too cold in winter?
Use a 12-volt battery blanket to keep your EV battery warm in winter. It will help keep the battery temperature around 10°C and prevent extreme cooling.
What is the ideal temperature for EV batteries?
The ideal temperature for an EV battery is around 21°C. At this temperature, you could get more than its usual range.
How much range do EVs lose in winter?
EVs lose about 10% to 15% range in cold weather. So, if your car normally delivers 250 miles on a full charge, you are likely to get 200 miles in winter.
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At Fleeto, we help PCO drivers adapt to every season with well-maintained EVs, fast onboarding, and real-world advice that makes a difference. Discover how we can help you switch to an EV and boost your profits, even in the toughest months. Call us at 020 8471 5040 or visit our office today.
