mobile-menu-icon
GM Authority

EV Owners Charge More In Cold Weather, Data Analysis Shows

EV owners tend to spend more time charging in cold weather, according to a new data analysis from FLO, a Canadian electric vehicle charging company and General Motors partner. According to the analysis, electric vehicle drivers are spending longer to charge and taking on more energy when the temperature dips, with a correlation found for both level 2 and DC public fast charging stations. The analysis suggests a few possible explanations behind the data.

Data from a new EV study from FLO.

The analysis was based on data collected from electric vehicle chargers around the Greater Montreal area, which was selected for its high density of charging stations and reliably cold weather during the winter months. The analysis looked at 2,230 public charging stations operated over the entirety of the 2023 calendar year, and categorized stations based on the average temperature in Montreal. The study also excluded a few outlier days during which temperatures were either excessively high or excessively low.

The study found a direct correlation between lower ambient temperatures and extended electric vehicle charging times. This correlation applied to both level 2 and DC quick-charging stations. Days with temperatures of 23 degrees Fahrenheit (-5 degrees C) and below showed the average charge time extended by 16 percent, or 25 minutes, compared to days with temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees C). Additionally, EV energy consumption increased an average of 17 percent, or 2.7 kWH, in colder temperatures.

FLO suggests a few possible explanations for the correlation between colder temperatures and longer EV charging time / greater EV energy consumption. Among these is lower vehicle efficiency in colder weather, with the U.S. DOE noting that all vehicles are less fuel-efficient in cold weather. Another possible explanation is deferred charging, with some electric vehicle owners preferring to avoid public charging until absolutely necessary. Finally, the study suggests that while the rate of charge may be slower in colder weather, some vehicles may take on more energy more quickly if they start from a lower rate of initial charge, thus increasing the amount of energy transferred.

The study suggests that electric vehicle owners use the battery pre-conditioning feature, if available, and plan trips ahead of time with cold weather considerations in mind.

Subscribe to GM Authority for more GM electric vehicle news, GM technology news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.

Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

Subscribe to GM Authority

For around-the-clock GM news coverage

We'll send you one email per day with the latest GM news. It's totally free.

Comments

  1. OMG!! REALLY!!! DUHHHHH, WHO PAID FOR THIS COMMON SENSE REPORT!!!

    Reply
    1. the sky is blue as well

      Reply
      1. And the Sun is hot

        Reply
        1. Investigating a report that water is wet…more at 11.

          Reply
  2. Funny. I don’t seem to have an issue filling up the tank in my XT5 in cold weather. My range also stays the same.

    Reply
  3. Really??!! Ya think so??!!

    Reply
  4. Capt Obvious

    Reply
  5. And you use the heater, heated seats and steering wheel, when it is cold. That takes more electrons.

    Reply
  6. The EV snowflakes enjoy the extra time to text their co-dependant friends or play video games during extended charging time. It’s not like they have a life .

    Reply
    1. I own 3 BEVs (not necessarily my preference – I’d prefer at least 2 would be PHEVs), but I am no Snowflake.

      What always made me smile is people continually buying $80,000 premier trucks…. That apparently happens in places with nicer weather than here, because in the wintertime there is the issue with snow and salt – and yes, the cars are cleaned come springtime, but a somewhat more rugged interior is usually the case where I live.

      My latest BEV is a brand spanking new 2023 BOLT ev, with free $500 fast charging card, and the previously optional $750 plus sales tax fast charging facility is now standard. 8 percent better range also. Free 110/220 charging cord as well (dealer felt generous that day).

      I spent a Grand Total (including all taxes and fees) of a whopping $3,450, Just could not pass up that deal.

      So people can get on their soap box about how horribly expensive EVs are, when they really are clueless.

      Reply
      1. Would like to know how Bill calculated he paid a grand total of $3,450 for a new 2023 BOLT? I would like to buy six at that price to use as yard art for my ICE vehicle home garage!

        Reply
        1. Dealer did the calculation. That’s the amount that I write on the Cheque.

          Well, humm. If you can find six brand new bolt Ev’s at this point, since as of December there ain’t no more, all you need to do is bring along Six 2019 five year old Volts in premier trim, excellent condition of course with 55,000 miles on each. On NY state, fed and state point of sale instant rebates are $9,500 per Bolt EV.
          As mentioned I took the $500 EVGO fast charging credit. The cars come with 120 volt, 8/12 amp charging cords, but my dealer was being nice so the only 2 options on theBolt EV were A free – to me – 110/220 8/12/32 amp charging cord (0.9/1.3/7.6 kw), and very heavy duty floor mats all around.

          Enjoy your $3,000 fast charging credit.

          Reply
          1. No one believes you.

            Reply
            1. There is a certain level of intelligence required to meaningfully exist on this weblog.

              Since you are far from the sharpest tool in the tool shed, I won’t bother elaborating since you already stated you don’t believe me.

              For the few intelligent people here, the reason for the great Bolt Ev pricing (or similar cars) should be obvious.

              Reply
  7. Gasoline sales also increase when temperatures drop. This is a fact for over 120 years, yet it isn’t news anymore, since everyone accepted and many do it.

    Reply
    1. The article quantifies an amount, about 17%, more energy needed in colder weather. So, the cost per mile increases that much, e.g., 0.30 $/mi becomes 0.35. Or equivalently, e.g. 240 miles of range becomes 200 miles; however, most drive fewer than 90 miles in a day before recharging.
      ¯⁠\⁠_⁠(⁠ツ⁠)⁠_⁠/⁠¯

      Reply
  8. We use more Gasoline in the Winter as well.
    Who paid for this finding Lol

    Reply
  9. Check out the news articles from the recent 0 degree weather in Chiraq…and all of the vehicles stuck at charging stations. No thank you!

    Reply
  10. Gosharootie, who’d-a-thunk-it Captain Obvious ?? The known, declining inefficiency of Li batteries at lower temperatures coupled with everyone’s need to stay warm and run their battery-draining heaters and defrosters in sub-freezing temperatures creating a huge loss of “range” ( that the lying Gov’t. claims in their Biden-propaganda ) Just might have a teensy little bit to do with that.

    Reply

Leave a comment

Cancel