As winter’s icy grip tightens across the United States, electric vehicle owners are grappling with an unexpected challenge.

The combination of plummeting temperatures and increased demand for charging has led to long lines at charging stations and significantly reduced battery life for some EV drivers.

The frigid sub-zero temperatures have had a noticeable impact on EV batteries, causing frustration among drivers.

Darryl Johnson, an Uber driver, shared his ordeal, detailing the hours he spent waiting for a charger and the subsequent lengthy charging time.

To make matters worse, he found that his battery was depleting faster than usual after charging.

“It’s horrible. … It takes two hours to charge, then the charge leaves really quickly, so now you’re back at the charger twice a day,” lamented Johnson.

Cold weather

According to a 2019 study conducted by AAA, cold temperatures can significantly diminish the range of EVs, especially when drivers use interior heaters.

The study found that EV ranges dropped by 41% when the cars’ heaters were activated in 20-degree weather but only decreased by 12% when the interior heater was off.

The challenges faced by EV owners in harsh winter conditions underscore the need for continued innovation and improvement in electric vehicle technology.