Cold weather changes several aspects of a trip
FuelEconomy.gov, administered for the DOE and EPA, explains that cold weather affects battery performance, increases air resistance and can reduce tyre pressure. Heating the cabin also requires energy. The result depends on the vehicle and conditions: a test at one specific temperature does not establish how much range every car will lose throughout winter. Distinguish consumption on a cold journey from the battery's long-term condition; these questions require different observations and checks.
[S43]Prepare the car before departure
FuelEconomy.gov's recommendations for electric vehicles include preheating the cabin while the vehicle is plugged in, checking tyre pressure regularly and removing accessories that increase air resistance when they are not in use. It also notes that heated seats can save energy compared with heating the whole cabin. Apply these measures according to the vehicle's equipment and manual. As editorial advice, always maintain the temperature and demisting needed for comfortable driving and good visibility; adapt energy-saving measures to those needs.
[S43]Build your own reference for regular journeys
We suggest recording several regular journeys with the approximate temperature, distance and consumption. Compare similar days before drawing conclusions: a short outing with a cold car and a continuous journey do not represent the same use. For a trip away, plan stages with room to spare and an alternative station, especially if you are heading uphill into colder areas. Review the vehicle's forecast during the journey and adjust stops based on what you observe. If unexpected behaviour or a warning appears, keep the data and consult the manual or the manufacturer's service team to interpret the situation.
Supporting reading for the editorial analysis[S43]