Overview Charging Range & Battery EV Technology Affordability Cold Weather

EVs and Cold Weather

Chevrolet Blazer EV side profile while parked on a snowy driveway.

Winter driving made easier with Chevrolet EVs

With advanced engineering and real-world testing, Chevrolet EVs are designed to withstand the elements. From supporting EV battery performance to smooth charging in cold weather, you can help augment the comfort and performance of your Chevrolet EV with the right knowledge and preparation.
Chevrolet Silverado EV driving on a highway in winter.
Chevrolet Silverado EV driving on a highway in winter.

Designed to withstand winter

Chevrolet EVs are subjected to an array of tests in conditions as cold as -40°C to help verify that performance, battery function, traction and cabin climate control all operate effectively. Our EVs are also engineered with advanced technology to help provide comfort, efficiency and dependability in harsh winter weather and beyond.

Heat pump

Your Chevrolet EV comes equipped with a highly efficient heat pump. This technology captures heat from various sources — like regenerative braking and even passengers’ exhaled breath — and converts it into usable energy. This energy then gets redeployed to where it’s needed, such as heating the vehicle’s cabin or battery. 

Eco Climate

Designed to help optimize heating and cooling for maximum efficiency while providing warmth and comfort for passengers, this technology adjusts air flow based on how many people you have in your car and where they are sitting, helping to reduce wasted energy.

Impacts to EV range in cold weather
Chevrolet Blazer EV parked by a lake in winter.

Cold weather conditions

From cold, dense air to snow, ice and slush buildup on your vehicle, winter conditions can be challenging. Awareness of these conditions, and how they can affect your EV, is the first step to understanding cold weather performance.
Chevrolet Equinox EV tire close-up.

Tire pressure

To get the most out of your EV, be sure to keep your tires properly inflated to help optimize range and help avoid uneven wearing — especially during cold months.

Preproduction model shown. Actual production model may vary.
Interior dashboard view of Chevrolet Blazer EV with a snowy forest outside.

Cabin heating

In gas-powered vehicles, heat is produced from the engine and that heat is redirected to warm the cabin. In electric vehicles, the heating system draws energy directly from the vehicle’s battery — the same source used to power the motor.
Chevrolet Silverado EV parked by a snowy mountain.
Chevrolet Silverado EV parked by a snowy mountain.

Augmenting EV performance in cold weather

To help get the most out of your electric vehicle in the winter, follow these essential tips:
SUV Icon.

Precondition your cabin

Heating your vehicle when it is plugged in, prior to driving, draws energy from the grid rather than your battery — conserving energy and helping to increase range efficiency during the winter.
Brake Pedal Icon.

Use Regenerative Braking

Regen on Demand®* helps recover energy by converting the energy from your vehicle’s movement and returning it to the vehicle's battery to help maximize range.
Tire Icon.

Monitor tire pressure

Ensure your tires are inflated at the recommended kPa for range efficiency. Tire pressure can conveniently be monitored through your myChevrolet® mobile app.*
myChevrolet mobile app
Climate Icon.

Use Eco Climate

Engage this technology to adjust air flow based on how many people you have in your EV and where they are sitting, reducing wasted energy.
Heated Seats Icon.

Use heated vehicle features

The available Heated Front Seats and available Heated Steering Wheel are designed to efficiently heat the passengers, not the cabin. These features warm up quickly and use power to heat only the areas you really need without overusing energy, like traditionally heating the entire cabin.
Snow Icon.

Clear snow before driving

Removing snow and ice from your vehicle helps minimize disruptions to airflow around the vehicle and helps maintain range efficiency. It’s also important to keep your vehicle’s sensors clean so the technology can operate as designed.

Chevrolet EV cold weather tips

Chevrolet EV cold weather tips

Discover three quick cold weather tips to help get comfort and performance out of your EV.
Chevrolet Equinox EV parked at a GM Charging Station.

Simulated charging shown. Preproduction model shown. Actual production model will vary.

Cold weather charging

Home and public charging in cold weather is just as easy as charging during any other time of the year. Just make sure the charger and charge port are clear of ice and snow. And don’t forget — the myChevrolet mobile app* can help you plan for longer trips and easily locate a charging station.
Locate Charging Stations

EV cold weather FAQs

Do EVs work in cold weather?

Yes, Chevrolet EVs are designed and tested for year-round driving — including testing on icy roads and exposure to extreme cold temperatures — to evaluate battery durability, range performance and charging reliability.

Does EV range decrease in the winter?

Yes, similar to gas-powered vehicles — weather conditions may impact range efficiency. 

How much does cold weather affect EV range?

The effect of weather on your vehicle’s range varies with various factors including weather conditions, state of the vehicle and driving efficiency. See the tips above for maximizing your range in cold weather.

Can you drive a RWD EV in the snow?

Yes, you can drive a RWD EV in the snow. Winter tires are recommended, and are mandatory in some areas, and just like with gas-powered vehicles, adding them can provide additional traction.

Can EVs be charged in the snow?

Yes, Chevrolet EVs are designed to charge in winter weather conditions, including snowy environments.

Does cold weather affect EV batteries?

Lithium-ion batteries may perform less efficiently in cold weather. Explore the tips above to augment your EV performance in cold weather conditions.

Do EV batteries freeze?

EV batteries do not freeze; however, below-freezing temperatures impact performance — similar to gas-powered vehicles.

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