Be prepared for slower upload speeds. Your EV’s charging rate is controlled by the vehicle, not the charger. Electric vehicle batteries are designed to perform optimally and provide maximum charging power between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 26 C).
Temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4C) can drastically reduce charging power. One study found that at 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0C), an EV battery used 36 percent less energy than when the battery was charged for the same amount of time at 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25C).
Whether you’re preparing for a long-distance trip or your daily commute, it’s important to consider the possibility of longer charging times.
Pay attention to overnight changes in the range. Cold temperatures at night can reduce the range of an electric vehicle by 20% on average.
Be aware of the potential reduction and pay attention to your vehicle’s console display, as some electric vehicles can predict reduction in cold weather conditions.
Plan your charges. Plan your stops at public charging stations to avoid finding yourself with limited range and a lot of driving to do.
The Electrify America mobile app is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so drivers can easily navigate to nearby charging stations and see what chargers are currently available to help plan their charges.
Park inside. If possible, park your EV in a garage – higher interior temperatures can help your battery hold a charge longer and charge faster.
Understand the cold weather characteristics of your EV. Some electric vehicles have a pre-conditioning feature that allows the driver to manually program or heat the battery to more optimal temperatures, which can make the battery more efficient and maximize driving range.
Frequent questions
Why do EV drivers see their vehicle charging slower than the advertised maximum charging power?
Electrify America: Charging power is actually controlled by the vehicle, not the charger, and depends on several factors, including battery condition and initial state of charge, vehicle condition, and ambient temperature.
With all electric vehicles, charging power is typically reduced in colder climates, sometimes drastically. This is because the chemistry in batteries prefers a temperature of 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit to better transfer electrons within the battery to process the vehicle’s highest optimal charging power.
It is also important to note that the charge rate will always decrease as the battery reaches its maximum capacity (State of Charge or SOC) to optimize battery life and durability.
What should electric vehicle drivers expect regarding charging power rate?
electrify america: At the start of each charging session, all CCS-equipped vehicles are designed to inform the charger of the maximum voltage and amperage the vehicle can accept, or “charging parameter discovery” right following connecting .
After a DC fast charging session begins, the EV continually informs the charger what amperage and voltage it needs at regular intervals to recharge the battery at the optimal power rate appropriate for the conditions.
Again, temperature, age of the battery, and state of charge are critical factors in a battery’s power rate of charge, and the battery and electric vehicle software determine the rate of charge.
For level 2 charging when plugged in, the charger sends a constant signal indicating the maximum charging current it can provide, and the vehicle responds with the maximum it can draw.
Once this “communication” is established, charging begins and these signals remain the same until the battery is full and the vehicle slowly reduces the rate of charge it is consuming.”
Do cold temperatures affect the charge rate and mileage of an EV?
Electrify America: Definitely. Temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit can drastically reduce charging power.
At these lower temperatures, the available power capacity and power of the battery are reduced, and the battery itself may even degrade.
In these cases, the electric vehicle’s software reduces the charging power to avoid overcharging the battery and to maximize its durability and longevity.
Even if an EV driver charges to 80 percent state of charge, or what we call a “bulk charge,” low temperatures overnight can reduce EV range by up to 36 percent.
Driving a fully charged EV in colder climates naturally reduces its driving range, in part because cold temperatures affect electrochemical reactions within the cell, and on-board battery management systems limit the charging rate to prevent damage to the battery. battery.
Please note that these changes are temporary, as when the temperature rises, the range should increase for the EV.
