The electric car is often criticized for its weaknesses in winter. For example, supposed experts often emphasize that the battery is significantly weaker and energy consumption is much higher when temperatures drop. This may certainly be true. However, recent statistics from Norway show that they still perform better than combustion engines in many areas when it gets cold outside. Especially in extreme climatic conditions, electric cars offer surprising advantages.
Important findings:
- Only 13% of winter breakdowns due to starting problems affect electric cars.
- Combustion engines struggle more frequently with battery problems in the cold.
- Electric cars are more resistant to frozen components.
- Electric cars also lose range in winter, but combustion engines are also affected.
Electric car: fewer breakdowns thanks to robust technology
The Norwegian breakdown service Viking published data showing that 87% of winter breakdowns are due to problems with combustion engines. Starter batteries in particular often fail at low temperatures, as they rely on the alternator to charge in conventional vehicles. This weak point is eliminated in electric cars, as the battery is fed directly from the main battery.
Another point in favor of electric cars is that they are less susceptible to frozen components. Combustion engines often have difficulties with frozen fuel lines or other mechanical components. These problems do not occur with electric cars due to the simplified design and the absence of many liquid fuels.
The comparison of the breakdown service is quite meaningful. After all, the company has been able to use absolute figures. The reason for this is that every second new vehicle in Norway is now fully electric. This was reported by our colleagues at t3n, among others.
Electric car: challenges in terms of range
However, one disadvantage remains: electric cars lose range at low temperatures, in some cases up to 30%. This is because the batteries have to use additional energy to heat the interior and warm up the battery itself. However, combustion engines also struggle with increased fuel consumption in cold weather, which also reduces the range.
Conclusion: Don’t be afraid of the electric car in winter
The Norwegian statistics show that electric cars have a clear advantage in winter when it comes to starting problems and mechanical failures. Although the range decreases in the cold, this also applies to combustion engines. Electric cars therefore prove to be a more reliable option, especially in regions with harsh winter conditions.
