A Brawny Face-Off: Comparing Winter Driving Ranges between Gasoline and Electric Vehicles

Winter is here with all its cold snarling fury. And, as the holiday season approaches, so does the challenge of driving range in cold weather. While gasoline vehicles (GVs) and Electric vehicles (EVs) serve the same purpose, their performance is impacted by the freezing temperature in different ways.

But through a fiery comparison of winter driving ranges between these vehicular giants, we expect to help you choose the best fit for your winter driving experience. We researched hard and crafted a comprehensive article that brings sanity to the confusion of winter driving range. So, pay attention, buddy, you are in for a treat.

Winter driving range: the battle begins

The first thing we needed to make this comparison possible is some background data. According to the US Department of Energy, GVs have an average driving range of 423 miles per tank of gas. For EVs, the driving range depends on the battery capacity and the weather. For example, a 100 kWh battery can give you between 300 to 350 miles in warm weather, falling down to 150 - 200 miles in cold weather. These numbers depend on the efficiency of the vehicle and driving behavior.

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But let's be realistic, you don't want to pray to the EV gods every day to get you to your destination in frigid weather. So, what are the major factors to consider in comparing winter driving ranges?

• Tire pressure and type
• Heating and cooling systems
• Battery health, age, and capacity
• Vehicle weight
• Driving routes
• Driving behavior
• Chance of ice formation

Efficiency in winter driving ranges: slush vs snow

The first bullet point is tire pressure and type. In winter, the soft rubber compound tires maximize traction, but they also increase resistance and friction, reducing EVs driving range. Overinflating tires is not an option because it would reduce traction on snow and ice, increasing the risk of a car crash. On the other hand, gasoline engines are less affected by tire changes in winter driving range, and snow tires do not reduce the fuel economy.

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The second factor is the heating and cooling systems. In winter, heating systems consume more battery power, reducing the vehicle's driving range. The paradox is that the EV heating system is more efficient than its GV counterpart. The gasoline origin heat system produces only 25% of the BTU while an EV heat pump can produce up to 300% of the BTU used. Additionally, GV's engines use the lost heat to warm-up the cabin in chilly weather, making them more efficient than their EV peers.

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The third factor is battery health, age, and capacity. The battery is the heart of EVs, but its performance decreases in cold weather because chemical reactions slow down in low temperatures. Manufacturers have installed battery management systems to keep the battery at the optimum temperature during winter. That means old and weak batteries are less efficient in cold weather driving, draining more power and reducing the range. However, lubricants, batteries, and engines work more efficiently in warm weather, giving gasoline cars an edge in winter driving range.

The fourth factor is vehicle weight. EVs equipped with larger and heavier batteries are less efficient in winter conditions. GV's engine design has fewer deadweights, making them lighter and more efficient in winter driving range.

But wait for a moment

The fifth factor is driving routes. The average driver never drives more than 25 miles per trip, covering short distances between work and home or running errands. That means the EVs can cope with local winter weather easily. However, GV's engines are more efficient than EVs on longer routes and road trips, where electricity charging infrastructure is scarce.

The sixth factor is driving behavior. In winter, aggressive driving behaviors are detrimental to energy efficiency. You'll lose a lot of power on high speeds, rough starts, and stops. EVs thrive on smooth and energy-efficient driving while GVs can tolerate a bit more enthusiasm.

The Takeaway

Now, let's be honest, you cannot explicitly say that four electric cars have the same winter driving range. Everything depends on the battery type, weight, and age, driving behavior, terrain, and distance covered in winter weather. Through comparison, we suggest that EV's winter driving range thrives in short distance driving, urban environments with access to charging stations. Meanwhile, gasoline cars are a clear winner for long-distance, non-urban driving routes under cold weather conditions.

• GVs have a consistent winter driving range irrespective of driving behavior, tire pressure, or distance covered
• EVs are affected by various factors, including battery capacity, age, and weather.
• EVs heating systems are more efficient than GVs counterparts but consume more battery power.
• EVs weigh more than GVs, reducing their winter driving range.
• On short distances with access to charging stations, EVs thrive while GVs have an edge on longer routes.

Conclusion

Ultimately, choosing the right winter vehicle depends on your driving behavior, terrain, and distance under cold weather conditions. It's clear that both GVs, and EVs offer unique advantages in winter weather conditions. A well-maintained GV is more efficient for long routes and distances, while a properly powered EV is ideal for short commutes in urban areas. Be diligent in your research and choose wisely because, at the end of the day, it's your driving pleasure that counts more than anything else.