Breaking Down the Misconceptions About Driving EVs in Winter

Electric Vehicles are continuing to evolve in terms of their capabilities, availability and number of available models to choose from.  The zero emission technology found in full battery electric as well as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are disrupting an industry that for decades has focused its research and development efforts on improving internal combustion engines and all that goes along with them.  But with disruption comes not only a sense of change but also a tinge of resistance from those used to and comfortable with the status quo.

Tesla Winter Shot r

It’s common to hear and read negative opinions about electrified propulsion technology.  Those leery of or even against the changes we are seeing readily point to the deficiencies in range or price or infrastructure as reasons why EVs shouldn’t be taken seriously.  And while there still are gains to be made in all the previously noted areas, what is perhaps hampering larger acceptance even more at this time are a number of misconceptions that exist about EVs.

One common and often heard misconception is that battery electric vehicles perform very poorly in winter climates, so much so that they shouldn’t be seen as a viable option where winter conditions exist. The reality of course, is that this is nothing more than a classic Red Herring that exaggerates the challenges while not acknowledging many truisms of driving today.

In an effort to deal head on with some of these misconceptions, I decided to put together a video that talks about the issue of EVs and Winter.  In the video you will see me deconstruct these misconceptions as well as provide tips on how to mitigate any impacts cold weather may have on EV performance and range.  Please click on the image below to begin watching the video:

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For those looking for more information on EVs in Canada, there are a number of online resources and organizations looking to provide it to you.  I was contacted by one such organization, Environmental Defence after they had learned of my intention to put this video together and asked if I would share with my readers and viewers a website they had put together to encourage EV purchases as well as provide information about them.  I agreed and am happy to let you know about their website www.yournextchoice.ca

Bottom line is that there are many considerations involved in the purchase of a vehicle.  For those considering battery electric or plug-in hybrid electric, simply know that winter isn’t and shouldn’t be a dominant consideration as most of the limitations associated with the cold can be worked around, mitigated or turned into a non-factor altogether.

Eric Novak

About Eric Novak

Eric Novak is a father of 4 who also thinks that environmental stewardship is a requisite of parenting. He's not a professional Dad nor is he an environmental scientist, but he's someone who gives a damn and is trying to make the right decisions as he lives his life as a father, environmentalist, part time professor and business owner. Eric has 4 children and resides in Ajax, Ontario.