EV Driving in the Winter

The electric vehicle revolution is in full swing and shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. Modern EVs like the 2024 Subaru Solterra are designed for powerful, reliable, and efficient performance all year long. But can EVs drive in the snow? Does cold weather affect EV range? Get the answers to these questions in Subaru of South Hills’s overview of EV driving in the winter.

Can EVs Drive in the Snow?

Electric vehicle batteries are significantly heavier than the ones you find in gas-powered vehicles, and this added weight improves traction on snowy or wintry roads. On top of that, some industry-leading EVs, like the Solterra, come with standard all-wheel drive and traction control systems to further enhance traction and maximize winter-driving performance. And when you equip your EV with winter tires, that performance is optimized even more. So, can EVs drive in the snow? You bet they can! Hit the roads of Pittsburgh and Bethel Park with confidence this winter and all year through!

Does Cold Weather Affect EV Range?

Another common question about EV driving in the winter has to do with range. Does cold weather affect EV range? Let’s break down the answer in detail:

• Reduced Range – Batteries tend to work less efficiently in cold conditions, and this is true for EV batteries and all other kinds of batteries you encounter in daily life. The good news is that many modern EVs come with thermal management systems to mitigate or reduce the effects of cold weather.
• Energy From the Heater: Excessive use of your car’s heater can also decrease overall range. That said, heat pump technologies are growing more advanced by the day, engineered to maintain maximum battery charge in all types of conditions without majorly impacting range.
• Preconditioning: Some EVs come with preconditioning systems that warm up both the battery and the interior when plugged in. This system runs on energy from your power source instead of the battery itself, which, in turn, preserves your charge and driving range.

Let Subaru of South Hills Ensure Reliable EV Driving in the Winter

Staying on top of routine EV maintenance will help guarantee the highest levels of performance this winter and throughout the year. Schedule a service visit online or contact us to set up an appointment. And if you’re in the market for a new EV, visit us to test-drive the stunning and state-of-the-art Solterra. Come see why the Solterra is the electric vehicle of choice for discerning drivers from McMurray to Canonsburg and beyond!