Electric vs Gas Cars: Winter Performance and Range in Cold Weather

When temperatures plummet, all vehicles struggle—but electric and gas cars face different challenges. Road tests by the Canadian Automobile Association found that popular electric vehicles lose 14–39% of their marketed range in winter conditions. Gas‑powered engines suffer too, consuming more fuel during cold starts and delivering sluggish throttle response until warmed up. This blog compares how EVs and internal combustion engines handle the cold, and offers tips to optimise performance during a Canadian winter.

Cold weather and electric vehicles

EVs rely on chemical reactions within the battery, and cold temperatures slow those reactions down. Energy is also diverted from propulsion to heat the cabin and battery pack. Some key considerations:

• Range loss: As noted above, tests show EVs losing up to 39% of their range when driven in sub‑zero temperatures. Vehicles like the Chevy Silverado EV and Polestar 2 were among the best performers, losing only 14%, while others like the Volvo XC40 Recharge lost nearly 40%.
• Charging speeds: Cold temperatures slow charging. A 15‑minute fast‑charge session can add anywhere from 35 to 205 kilometres of range depending on the vehicle. Pre‑heating the battery (often called battery conditioning) helps speed charging.
• Cabin heating: Electric heaters draw significant power from the battery. Newer models use heat pumps, which are more efficient than resistive heaters.

Gasoline engines in winter

Internal combustion engines don’t escape winter unscathed. Cold oil is thicker and less effective at lubricating, leading to more friction. The battery must work harder to turn the starter motor. And because the engine runs rich (more fuel, less air) until warmed up, fuel consumption increases, often by 12–28% when ambient temperatures drop from 24 °C to 7 °C. Drivers can minimise these drawbacks by:

• Using the correct viscosity oil recommended for cold temperatures.
• Allowing the engine to idle for only 30–60 seconds before driving gently; prolonged idling wastes fuel and doesn’t warm the engine faster.
• Checking tyre pressure regularly; cold air reduces pressure, increasing rolling resistance and fuel consumption.

Tips to optimise winter performance

Here are practical steps to get the most out of your EV or gas car in the cold:

• Precondition your EV. Many EVs allow you to warm the cabin and battery while still plugged in. Doing so preserves driving range.
• Use seat and steering‑wheel heaters. These consume less energy than heating the entire cabin.
• Drive smoothly. Rapid acceleration and hard braking waste energy in both EVs and gas vehicles.
• Keep your battery or fuel tank at least half full. This reduces the chance of being stranded if a charging station is down or traffic is heavy.
• Install winter tyres. Better traction reduces energy wasted through wheel spin.

Thinking long‑term

As EV technology improves, cold‑weather performance is becoming less of a barrier. Battery chemistries are evolving and manufacturers are incorporating heat pumps and more efficient thermal management systems. Meanwhile, gas vehicles will always face some cold‑start penalties. For many GTA drivers, the choice between EV and gas comes down to daily range needs, charging infrastructure and environmental priorities.

Conclusion

Both electric and gasoline vehicles have their winter pros and cons. EV drivers need to plan for range loss and slower charging, while gas drivers must contend with increased fuel consumption and maintenance issues like battery and oil changes. Regardless of the powertrain, winter tyres, gentle driving and routine maintenance remain the foundations of safe and efficient winter driving. For expert winter checks and battery tests, join Karmeka’s wait‑list and connect with certified technicians.