Don't make this mistake when charging your electric car in winter, or your battery life will suffer

Winter can be challenging for electric vehicles. As temperatures drop, EV batteries naturally lose efficiency. Many drivers unknowingly make mistakes in cold weather that reduce battery capacity and shorten battery life. If you own an EV, it's important to follow the right charging practices in winter to avoid long-term damage.

Do not charge a cold battery immediately

When temperatures are extremely low, the battery becomes cold and its internal temperature drops significantly. Starting a fast charge right away puts extra strain on the battery. Instead, warm the battery first—either by driving for a few minutes or using the vehicle’s preheating mode. Once the battery temperature rises, charging becomes safer and more efficient.

Avoid overusing fast chargers

Because EV batteries drain faster in winter, many people rely heavily on fast chargers. However, excessive fast charging harms the battery over time. Whenever possible, use a regular AC charger. Reserve fast charging only for situations when you truly need it.

Do not leave your EV at 100% charge overnight
Keeping an EV battery fully charged for long periods accelerates its degradation, especially in cold weather. Ideally, charge the battery only up to 80–90 percent. Many EV manufacturers also advise against charging to 100% unless necessary for long trips.

Avoid parking with a very low charge

Parking your EV with a low battery percentage in cold temperatures can be harmful. Additionally, using the cabin heater while charging puts extra load on the battery and slows the charging process. Preheat the cabin before plugging in the charger to maintain battery efficiency.