Overview
- Measured heating draw of roughly 1.5–2 kWh per hour at about −10°C means a 10‑hour stop uses only 15–20 kWh, which many modern EV batteries can support.
- ÖAMTC testing found no clear efficiency advantage for heat pumps over conventional PTC heaters at very low temperatures, underscoring the importance of insulation and steady-state heating.
- Cold conditions raise consumption sharply on short trips, with ADAC reporting about 70% higher use on average and model-dependent extremes such as a VW ID.5 nearly doubling consumption at −7°C.
- Low temperatures also limit fast‑charging power as battery management systems protect cold cells, making preheating while plugged in and charging right after a drive effective strategies.
- Winter preparedness remains essential for all drivers: carry warm clothing, blankets, food, water and phone power, keep EVs sufficiently charged, and maintain ample fuel for combustion cars that typically burn about 1–1.5 liters per hour when idling for heat.