Drivers of electric vehicles are paying as much as 70% more to charge their cars in winter compared to summer, according to new research. UK automotive agency UpShift said it had calculated the cost of running the most popular electric, petrol and diesel cars in normal and cold conditions around the world to determine whether EVs are still the most cost-effective option in winter.
EV batteries are affected negatively by cold weather, with their range reducing compared to during warmer conditions. Adding in the use of the car's heater and things such as heated seats also uses juice.
Using current electricity and fuel costs, UpShift said it applied the rates to an EV’s estimated drop in efficiency in colder months. It said the results revealed that the reduced efficiency in winter meant electric car owners faced paying nearly 70% more in charging costs each month.
