By Anthony Teolis
Thinking of buying an electric vehicle? Simcoe County's frigid climate may pose a problem.
This past winter has revealed that EVs may not perform as well in cold weather.
Recurrent, a Seattle-based electric automotive company, tested 7,000 electric vehicles (EVs) at temperatures between -7 C and -1 C and found that EVs can lose up to 30 per cent of their range in freezing temperatures. That means that the average EV with a range of 341km can lose up to 102km in temperatures below 0 C.
Liz Najman, a researcher with Recurrent says that this happens because of the energy required to heat the cabin during cold months. Electric motors are much more efficient than traditional combustion engines and do not produce any unused heat that can be used. EVs must utilize their battery power to heat the cabin electrically, meaning you're left with less power to get you where you need to go.
Infographic via Recurrent that shows the seasonal difference in range of some popular EV models
Less range means more charging for EV owners.
Though, EV owners in the Barrie area do have options to look to for charging.
The City of Barrie previously partnered with Tesla Canada to install 54 EV charge stations around town, and at no cost to residents.
There are both Tesla-branded stations and universal ones that are compatible with all makes of EVs.
Locations include:
- Collier Parkade (31 Collier St)
- Downtown Library (60 Worsley St)
- Heritage Park (5 Simcoe St)
- Marina (55 Lakeshore Dr)
- Allandale Rec Centre (190 Bayview Dr)
- East Bayfield Community Centre (80 Livingstone St E)
- Peggy Hill Team Community Centre (171 Mapleton Ave)
- Sadlon Arena (555 Bayview Dr)
Click here for more information on the stations' availability and rate details.
- With files from The Associated Press
Banner image captured by Anthony Teolis (Barrie 360)
