Tesla in cold weather – your questions, answered

Cold weather affects electric cars – but the world’s most innovative EVs are better equipped for plummeting temperatures than you might realize.

The deep freeze of 2022 – the so-called ‘bomb cyclone’ – got some drivers worried. Batteries are affected by the cold, with the drop in temperature slowing down the chemical reaction needed to produce power.

However, Tesla drivers can relax a little, thanks to a plethora of tech. We’re here to tell you how to get the most from your Tesla the next time the temperature drops, and dispel some myths along the way.

Do Tesla car batteries drain more in cold weather?

In short, yes, electric car batteries drain more in cold weather – but it’s a challenge for every car manufacturer and something that every driver should bear in mind.

Ultimately, it’s down to how batteries work.

Extremes in temperature have a big impact on performance. Factors like the journey itself (is it flat or hilly, short or long) can also impact energy demand, as can the driving style, the age of the vehicle and the technology installed, and the state of the battery.

Why do electric car batteries lose range in cold weather?

Batteries have a lot more to do in winter. Even in a gas-powered car, more energy is needed to keep you warm inside the cabin.

In an EV, that energy demand – combined with sending power to the motors, and the effect of the cold on the battery – causes the battery to drain at a quicker rate than usual. There’s also no heat from an engine block.

However, Tesla has said it’s made a number of updates to its vehicles to improve overall thermal performance and cabin conditioning, as well as quicker Supercharging. Tesla says the features are enabled automatically, so you don’t need to do anything other than settle in and drive.

What’s the best temperature range for a Tesla?

Anything around 70°F is generally ideal for an electric car - so if you’re comfortable, so is the car.

There’s no official lower limit to driving an electric car – but just be aware that the expected range could drop more quickly than you expect.

In a Tesla, look out for the snowflake icon – it means it’s too cold for full power and range. You’ll see it on the touchscreen and in the app, and you might find a reduction in acceleration and regenerative braking.

How can I get more range from my Tesla in cold weather?

If you own or are thinking about renting a Tesla,  here are some top tips for getting more range in cold weather:

1.  Warm up the battery and cabin prior to your journey – warm up the cabin and battery before you set off to get maximum performance and range. Do this through Scheduled Departure on the control screen or the Climate functions on the Tesla app.
2. Use navigation even for regular routes – Tesla recommends that you put your destination into the car’s navigation system – even if you know where you’re going. Its Trip planner will send you to any required Superchargers, preheating the battery to maximize charging speed. You can navigate directly to Superchargers, too.
3. Plug in your vehicle – leaving your Tesla plugged in – and keeping the charge level above 20% when it’s not plugged – in will help reduce the effects of cold weather.
4. Charge after a drive – aim to charge your vehicle straight after you drive, as the battery will already be warmed up.
5. Defrost the vehicle – you can use the defrost function in the Tesla app to remotely  clear your car from ice, while you’re warm and comfortable inside.
6. Invest in winter tires – less about range, more about safety, Tesla recommends purchasing winter tires and tire chains for cold conditions. Plus, you should maintain proper tire pressures as tires lose one PSI for every 10°F (6° C) drop in temperature.
7. Turn down the heat – you can reduce energy use and increase range by relying on your seat heaters and heated steering wheel to keep warm.
8. Slow down – Tesla says that drivers should slow down and avoid accelerating quickly and frequently to save energy. Read the road and plan ahead.
9. Park and plug – if you’re parking a Model 3 for a while, Tesla suggests you charge the vehicle while it’s parked up to prevent normal range loss. This also keeps the battery at an optimal temperature.
10. Use the Tesla Energy app – The Tesla app has plenty of features and tips to help you check and improve your range. Be sure to take advantage of this innovative useful resource.

What are Teslas like in the snow?

Teslas are just as capable as a conventional gas-powered car in the snow – if not better. The big highlights are:

• All-wheel drive – some Tesla models have all-wheel drive, meaning they can distribute power across all four wheels. By sharing this power, each tire is less likely to lose traction in more slippery conditions.
• Efficient batteries – despite concerns around cold-weather performance, the reality is: Teslas are very efficient with their power. Car and Driver kept its Model 3’s interior at a toasty 65°F for almost two days in subfreezing temperatures.
• Huge range – even in cold temperatures, Teslas have an impressive range. In a group test in January 2023, Norwegian title Motor.no tested 29 electric cars and found the Model 3 not only went the furthest, but also lost just 16.4% of its claimed range.
• Defrost feature – the Tesla defrost feature helps to melt snow and frost, meaning you don’t need to scrape the windshield on a snowy or frosty morning.
• Tires – we know, this isn’t unique to Tesla. But a car’s performance in snow is only as good as its tires. The natural compound in winter tires – combined with the deeper tread – enhance grip in snow and cold conditions.

Want to know more about Tesla?

If you’re looking for more information about Tesla vehicles, visit our Tesla hub, where you’ll find out about all the latest models, their features, as well as information on how you can reserve a Tesla car rental with Hertz.

Read more about Teslas and other EVs and vehicles on the Hertz blog.