Does cold weather affect electric cars?

Yes. Cold temperatures can reduce EV driving range and charging performance. Battery chemistry is less efficient when cold, and the vehicle also uses energy to warm the battery and cabin. The size of the range loss varies by vehicle, temperature, speed, trip length, and whether the EV uses a heat pump.

To reduce the impact, precondition the vehicle while it is plugged in, keep tires properly inflated, use seat and steering-wheel heaters when practical, and leave extra range for winter trips. Many modern EVs can also precondition the battery before a fast-charging stop.