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How does cold weather affect Tesla range?

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I currently use a data tracking software called TeslaFi which allows me to track all my drives with my teslas.
As an engineer it gives me lots of insight into all the metrics for all the modifications I did to my car and how it affects my range.

But temperature seems to affect the range I can get from the car. Here is the data from my Model Y over the last 10,000 Miles

Cold weather can have a notable impact on the range of electric vehicles, including Teslas. Here are several reasons why cold temperatures can affect the range of a Tesla:

Battery Efficiency:


Batteries have optimal temperature to deliver and recieve energy which is why teslas generally precondition when charging but as seen by outside temperature affects the range efficiency which I have shown above.

Heating Systems:


Depending on the years of the Tesla you may own it will have different types of heaters, 2018-2020 Model 3’s came with a resistive heater which are not as efficient as the the 2021+ Model 3’s that are equipped with heat pumps. All Model Y’s are the first to be equipped with heat pumps which show better efficiency in general.

Regenerative Braking:


Regen works best when the vehicle isn’t fully charged, for example when the battery is at 100% it cannot utilize any regen braking since the battery is full.

Tire Pressure:


Cold temperatures can cause a decrease in tire pressure. Properly inflated tires are crucial for maximizing efficiency and range. It’s essential to regularly check and maintain tire pressure, especially in colder climates.

Battery Preconditioning:


I am not sure how preconditioning affects the battery efficiency but it usually kicks on when you choose the tesla supercharger as your destination where the vehicle starts to warm up the battery so it can take as much charge from the super charger as possible. But this also uses energy to warm up the battery.

To mitigate the impact of cold weather on range, Tesla and other electric vehicle manufacturers often implement various technologies and features. For example, Tesla vehicles allow owners to precondition the battery and cabin while the vehicle is still plugged in, using electricity from the grid instead of the battery.

Keep in mind that the extent of the range reduction depends on several factors, including the severity of the cold weather, driving habits, and specific model of Tesla. If you live in a colder climate, it’s advisable to plan for reduced range during winter months and take steps to optimize efficiency, such as preheating the vehicle while it’s still connected to a charger.

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