Overview
- Germany’s ADAC and Austria’s ÖAMTC measured stand heating consumption of about 1.5–3 kWh per hour across multiple EV models at roughly −9 to −14°C.
- A 45 kWh usable battery can power an estimated 2 kW of heating for about 20 hours, showing even small packs can keep cabins comfortable during long stoppages.
- Testing highlights the role of vehicle insulation and finds heat pumps offer no efficiency advantage over conventional PTC heaters at very low temperatures.
- Winter boosts energy use for all drivetrains, with EV driving consumption typically up 20–30%, short-trip range losses reaching about 50% in extreme cases, and idling combustion cars burning roughly 1–1.5 liters per hour with petrol up about 15% and diesel up about 24%.
- Motor clubs advise starting with a full charge or tank, pre-heating while plugged in, using seat and wheel heaters, minimizing door openings, and carrying winter supplies such as hot drinks, water, blankets, a powerbank, an ice scraper, a shovel, sand, and towing gear.