Cold-weather EV range calculator
Choose your vehicle and the conditions you expect to estimate usable range and charging needs.
This free calculator shows how outside temperature, cabin heating, cruising speed and headwind can change how far an electric vehicle goes on a full charge. It is a quick way to explore scenarios before you plan a real trip.
What you enter
- Vehicle. Pick a supported EV, such as the Tesla Model Y or Model 3 Long Range, Ford F-150 Lightning ER, Rivian R1T, Hyundai IONIQ 5, Kia EV6, Ford Mustang Mach-E or Chevy Bolt EUV. Its EPA range and battery size fill in automatically, and you can edit them.
- Cabin heater. Choose a heat pump or a resistive heater to match your car.
- Conditions on the day. Set the outside temperature, your cruising speed and the headwind you expect.
What you get
- An estimated driving range for the conditions you entered, shown next to the EPA rating.
- A short list of what is reducing your range, such as cold cells, cabin heat, or headwind and speed.
- The same trip in a different season: your entered conditions, a summer reference and a deep-cold case with the heater on full.
- An estimate of charging stops on a 600-mile drive in those conditions.
How to read the results
Treat the number as a planning estimate, not a promise. It assumes a level highway and does not fetch today’s forecast. Real range also depends on the road, battery condition, elevation, traffic and how you drive. If the estimate is close to the distance between chargers, plan an earlier stop.
Example: Toronto to Montreal
The table below shows reference estimates for one route at three temperatures. They are illustrative scenarios, not a forecast for your trip.
| EV model | Mild (70°F) | Cold (20°F) | Arctic (−10°F) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model Y Long Range | 310 mi · 1 stop | 227 mi · 1 stop | 168 mi · 2 stops |
| Hyundai IONIQ 5 LR AWD | 266 mi · 1 stop | 196 mi · 2 stops | 147 mi · 2 stops |
| Ford F-150 Lightning ER | 320 mi · 1 stop | 240 mi · 1 stop | 181 mi · 2 stops |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E ER AWD | 290 mi · 1 stop | 215 mi · 1 stop | 161 mi · 2 stops |
| Chevy Bolt EUV | 247 mi · 1 stop | 172 mi · 2 stops | 124 mi · 3 stops |
See more vehicles and seasons on the Toronto to Montreal EV route guide.
Tips for winter EV trips
- Compare a few speeds in the calculator, then drive at a speed that suits the road and conditions.
- Follow your vehicle’s guidance on preconditioning the battery and cabin while plugged in.
- Pick a backup charger for each leg and confirm access and availability before you leave.
- Arrive with a battery reserve in case of delays, detours or closed chargers.
Common questions
How much range does an EV lose in cold weather?
It varies with the vehicle, battery temperature, heating, speed and route. The calculator estimates the effect of the conditions you enter.
Does a heat pump help?
Yes. A heat pump usually warms the cabin more efficiently than a resistive heater, so you keep more range in cool and cold weather. In deep cold the advantage narrows.
Will my car reach its EPA range?
EPA range is a standardized rating. Your result can differ with speed, terrain, weather, heating, battery condition and driving style.
Can I check the forecast for my own route?
Yes. Open the trip planner, add your route, EV and departure time, and review the forecast and suggested charging stops for your drive. EV charging planning is included on the Free plan.
Add your route, vehicle and departure time to review the forecast for your own drive.
See how a trip plan comes together.
Explore a saved route, inspect its weather, or compare recorded EV departure estimates.
Saved examples, not current forecasts. Exploring a demo does not use your trip allowance.