Electric car range: winter vs. summer
An electric car cannot travel as far per charge in winter vs summer because the battery works less efficiently at low temperature. Also, you’re more likely to switch on the heater and rear demister which takes power from the car’s battery and further shortens your range per charge.
How far does electric car range fall in winter?
Electric car range falls around 10% to 20% in winter but the many variables leave the exact figure open to debate.
Renault electric car range calculator: summer vs. winter
Renault makes it easy to compare winter vs. summer range via an online calculator, with results displayed here.
Renault Megane E-Tech 60kWh battery (2023)
Air conditioning, heater, and eco mode off
| 20mph | 30mph | 40mph | 50mph | 60mph | 70mph | |
| 5°C | 213 | 244 | 227 | 208 | 187 | 163 |
| 10°C | 224 | 253 | 238 | 220 | 194 | 169 |
| 15°C | 248 | 279 | 260 | 236 | 207 | 183 |
| 20°C | 248 | 279 | 260 | 236 | 207 | 183 |
| 35°C | 251 | 289 | 268 | 243 | 219 | 190 |
Vauxhall electric car range calculator: summer vs. winter
Vauxhall also lists a range calculator for its Mokka…
Vauxhall Mokka Electric 50kWh battery (2023)
Climate control and eco mode off
| 20mph | 30mph | 40mph | 50mph | 60mph | 70mph | |
| -10°C | 175 | 177 | 171 | 154 | 129 | 106 |
| 0°C | 193 | 194 | 186 | 166 | 140 | 113 |
| 10°C | 210 | 210 | 200 | 178 | 149 | 121 |
| 20°C | 226 | 225 | 213 | 190 | 158 | 128 |
| 30°C | 223 | 227 | 217 | 194 | 162 | 132 |
Electric car range: view figures with caution
When considering a car’s maximum range per charge, remember the figures are not guaranteed even if they come directly from the manufacturer. Consider too that your driving style, the type of road, traffic, and many other factors affect a car’s maximum range.
