Do EVs Work in Cold Weather?

Mobilizing Alberta is an initiative from the Office of Sustainability aimed at increasing engagement on climate change across Southern Alberta. Through Climate Action Grants, a Climate Conversation Speaker Series, and the Preparing Albertans for Climate Change e-course, Mobilizing Alberta provides a foundation on which Albertans can build awareness and support meaningful climate action. Over the next few months, we’ll share a series of informative blog posts to answer frequently asked questions, clear up common misconceptions, and break down climate solutions in a straightforward, easy-to-understand way.

In this installment, we look at the viability of electric vehicles (EVs) in the Albertan winter, and dispel some common myths.

Many people have heard the myth that electric vehicles don’t work in the winter. Put simply: that’s not true. They do work in cold weather, but like almost every other type of machinery, their performance is affected.  

The optimal operating range for EV batteries is 20-30 degrees Celsius. Higher and lower temperatures, as well as other factors like road conditions and how much additional electrical power is being used for cabin comfort, can affect range. Typically, when temperatures are below freezing, EV batteries can lose around 25% of their range. 

It’s worth noting that fuel efficiency for gas-powered vehicles is also affected by temperature. According to a study from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a drop in temperature from 24°C to 7°C can increase fuel consumption between 12% and 28% on urban commutes. 

Real-world testing shows that the range an EV loses in sub-zero temperatures (between -6°C and -15°C) depends on the model. The CAA tested 14 EVs from various manufacturers by driving in sub-zero temperatures between Ottawa and Mont-Tremblant, and compared the actual range to the official range published by Natural Resources Canada. They found that real-world range at these temperatures dropped between 14% and 39%. The Chevrolet Silverado EV and the Polestar 2 lost the least range with a 14% drop. The Volvo XC40 Recharge lost the most range, with a 39% drop from official figures. 

The study also observed the distance these vehicles travelled on “0%” range, and measured recharging times in cold conditions. Both varied from the officially reported numbers. The findings underscore the importance of looking at real-world findings as opposed to official ranges, which are often based on ideal conditions. 

While outside temperature, road conditions, and other factors can all affect an EV’s range, there are measures you can take to reduce the load on your battery when you take a trip.  

• Precondition your EV. Preconditioning means your car is plugged in and using power from the grid to warm up the cabin and heat the batteries to optimal operating temperature. It allows the vehicle to use more of the battery charge for actual driving, rather than warming the car. Most EVs have a smartphone app that allows you to set a schedule for preconditioning (for example, every morning before you leave for work) or start it before you take a trip in cold weather. 
• Keep it out of the elements. Park in a heated garage whenever possible. 
• Use your heated seats. Heated seats and steering wheels use less power than heating the ambient cabin air temperature. 
• Charge it up. Keep the battery charged between 20% and 80% on colder days. 
• Clear the snow before you go. Clearing snow and ice from the vehicle’s hood, windows, and roof improves aerodynamics. It’s also good safety sense, and in many jurisdictions is required by law. 

Real-world testing (like the study mentioned above) can help you make an informed decision about which EV is best for a cold climate. These studies often name different models “the best” for cold conditions, but there are factors like charge time, distance travelled with “0% range,” and more that can help you decide.  

The Alberta Motor Association recommends the Chevrolet Silverado EV, the Polestar 2, and the Kia EV9 for cold weather driving, as all three lose minimal range in cold temperatures and have several preconditioning and winter efficiency features. Seattle-based Recurrent ranks the Tesla Model X as the most efficient EV in cold weather, thanks to its heat pump. Heat pumps are usually more efficient in the cold because the pump takes on some of the work of heating the cabin. 

Winters in Alberta are harsh, and the sprawl of our cities often means longer daily commutes with challenging road conditions and sometimes frigid temperatures. But this doesn’t mean EVs are less viable here. EVs perform just as well in icy conditions as gas-powered vehicles, and they often have a suite of high-tech driving modes and assists optimized for winter driving. Weight distribution in EVs tends to be lower and more uniform, since the battery is the heaviest part of the vehicle, which provides increased stability. Additionally, electric motors provide almost instantaneous torque, which allows features like traction control to integrate more seamlessly, giving you an edge while driving on slippery roads. 

EV range is improving all the time. Globally, EV models average about 380 km of range, with some luxury models boasting figures about 600 km on a single charge. Charging networks are growing all the time, too. Alberta has a fairly extensive network of EV charging stations, especially in major cities and highway corridors. Many major parkades, shopping malls, and even office buildings now have dedicated EV charging stations. Installing a home charger is also an option for many owners, allowing them to plug in, charge during off-peak hours, and precondition the EV before their drive. 

While the charging network is growing in many areas, rural drivers may still find access a challenge. It’s important to consider your access to a charger and your driving habits when you choose a vehicle. Long trips through rural Alberta can be a challenge, but groups across the country are working to make sure rural communities aren’t left behind. In August 2025, the federal government announced new funding to help install 850 additional EV chargers across Canada, many of which will be in Quebec.  

In terms of maintenance, EV owners often report much lower costs. An AMA survey found 92% of EV owners spent less on maintenance compared to their previous gas-powered vehicles and 96% reported significantly reduced fueling costs.  

While consumer rebates for electric vehicles are currently on pause, the Canadian government has plans to resume them in the future — the exact terms and value are still unclear.  

There are people all around the world who live in cold climates and manage just fine with their EVs. Norway, whose southern region is on the same latitude as southern Yukon, is the global leader in EV adoption. In 2023, 90% of vehicle sales were for electric vehicles. There are various reasons for this including government policy and incentives that drive adoption, but the point is that the country sees electric vehicles as a viable form of transportation in their cold climate. 

As Canadians feel the impacts of climate change more and more each year, the need for climate action increases. Ultimately, in order to slow down the effects of climate change, we need to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. The Government of Canada has introduced regulations to increase the supply of zero-emission vehicles, including EVs, in an effort to reduce transportation-related pollution and make electric vehicles more accessible to consumers in Canada.   

Currently, transportation accounts for 9% of Alberta’s carbon emissions. Shifting to electric vehicles, choosing zero-emission options like walking or cycling, and making greater use of shared transportation such as buses, trains, and carpools can help us significantly reduce those emissions.  

While some may argue that any motorized vehicle is hindering climate progress, the fact is we live in environments built for cars, and cultural shifts take time. Even though Alberta’s electricity grid is still largely powered by natural gas, EVs produce fewer emissions over their lifetimes than gas-powered vehicles. Choosing an EV is one way people can take climate action now, especially as charging infrastructure expands and battery technology improves.  

And speaking of technology: as extreme weather events become more common due to climate change, innovations like bidirectional charging are making EVs more than a mode of transportation. They can also serve as backup power sources during outages.  

Alberta’s electric vehicle infrastructure is improving, but the province significantly lags behind the rest of the country both in EV adoption and charging station availability. According to Natural Resources Canada, in 2023 Alberta had 1,576 EV charging stations, while B.C. had more than 5,600 and Quebec had over 10,000.  

Still, the EV market is continuing to grow in Alberta. In 2024, over 14,000 EVs were registered — that’s nearly a 150% increase in ownership over the past two years. According to an Alberta Motor Association study, Albertans who owned EVs were enthusiastic about their purchase, but were frustrated with the lack of charging infrastructure throughout the province. Many were dissatisfied with the lack of charging locations, reliability, and cost. Still, even with those frustrations and the challenges of cold weather, the majority said they would not return to owning a gas-powered vehicle.  

Interested in learning more about EVs and climate change?

Explore the following resources for more on EVs:

• Alberta EV FAQs
• Map of EV charging stations
• ENMAX: Installing an EV charger