A leading motoring association has refuted claims that electric cars (EVs) in the UK struggle in cold weather, citing data that shows minimal battery-related callouts in January.
The AA reported that only 2.3% of EV callouts for dead batteries were made in January, the lowest percentage since September 2023. This contradicts concerns raised in the US city of Chicago, where EV drivers experienced rapid battery depletion in sub-zero temperatures.
AA President Edmund King dismissed the notion that EVs do not perform well in the cold, stating, “There is no evidence that the UK’s colder weather means EVs struggle, even if range is slightly reduced.” He pointed out that EVs worked well in January in the UK, despite diminished range caused by the extreme cold.
King emphasized that EV drivers can adapt to colder conditions by using strategies such as pre-heating and remote de-icing, as well as utilizing heated seats to conserve energy.
To encourage drivers to transition to electric vehicles, King emphasized the importance of providing buying incentives, improving charging infrastructure, and dispelling myths with accurate information.
The AA also noted a significant decline in EV callouts related to low or no charge, attributing this to the expanded public charging network, increased EV range, and improved driver education.
Despite the promising data, the UK experienced a 25% decrease in new electric car sales to private buyers last month, attributed to factors such as high energy prices, inflation, and charging “anxiety”. The government’s mandate for manufacturers to have a minimum percentage of zero-emission vehicles in their sales has also led to uncertainty in the market.
While the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans has been postponed until 2035, the push for electric vehicles continues to be a priority for the UK to meet its environmental targets.