The issue of Teslas not working in cold weather has been a topic of debate in recent years. While many owners report experiencing reduced battery life and range, difficulty charging, and stiffened regenerative brakes, these challenges are not unique to Tesla, but common to electric vehicles (EVs) in general during cold weather.
Reduced range and battery performance is a chemical process related to the batteries used in EVs. On the other hand, difficulty charging can occur because charging equipment may fall outside their optimal operating temperature range. Lastly, stiffened regenerative brakes can become more pronounced in cold weather, leading to some decreased energy recovery for the vehicle.
However, fear not! A comprehensive pre-conditioning routine in cold weather drastically mitigates these issues. To keep your car running smoothly in the cold, plug in the vehicle so it can maintain optimal battery and cabin temperatures. Another useful tip is to schedule charging to end just before you plan to drive. This keeps the finishing heat from charging in the batteries and warms up the vehicle interior. Using the app to pre-condition your car while it’s still plugged in will save you battery and increase your range. Additionally, switch off energy-saving modes and reduce the use of cabin heaters – using seat heaters instead can be more energy-efficient. Remember, even gas cars do not function as well in cold weather, with increased fuel use and engine wear.