Tips for EV charging in freezing temperatures

2 min to read

Whether a car runs on petrol, diesel, or electricity, winter driving—especially in freezing temperatures—requires a bit more attention. Tips for traditional fuel-powered cars in cold weather are already quite familiar to Finns, but what about electric cars? The biggest change for electric cars in cold weather relates to the reduction in battery range and battery charging. Electric cars work well even in cold weather, especially if you keep in mind few tips when charging the battery.

1. Charge the battery immediately after driving or, if possible, pre-heat the battery before charging

After driving, the battery may still be warm, and a warm battery accepts power better and charges faster. If the car has a battery pre-heating feature, it is advisable to activate it before charging. Some electric cars automatically activate battery pre-heating when a charging station location is set as the destination or a stopover in the navigator.

2. Plan more time for charging

Without pre-heating, the battery charges slowly at first in cold weather. As the battery warms up, the charging speed increases. Therefore, make sure you plan enough time for charging.

3. Charge more frequently

Cold weather reduces the electric car’s range, so you will need to charge more often than in summer. Be prepared for the range to drop roughly to half compared to summer. Also, consider the battery charge level when parking the car because starting off with a cold car and cold battery consumes electricity for heating the car as well.

4. Plan your route and charging stops in advance

Charging stations can get crowded during holiday times, so keep this in mind and plan your stops early. Prefer charging stations that have multiple charging points.

5. Clean the charging cable and port from snow and ice

If snow and ice accumulate at the bottom of the charging port, charging may not start. Always clean the charging cable and port from snow before use.

Frequently asked questions

Ayvens Technical Service answers questions about electric cars during winter

What should I do if the charge port flap freezes? As a first aid, drive the car into a warm garage or parking hall and wait for it to thaw. If the flap still does not open, the car should be taken to repair shop or you should call [Ayvens roadside assistance.](targetBlank:https://www.ayvens.com/en-fi/for-drivers/roadside-assistance/)Can the charging cable freeze to the charging port? Yes, it is possible. You can try warming the charging port, for example with a hairdryer. Check if the lock is definitely released and that charging has stopped. Try unlocking the car doors with the key. If the cable still does not come off, call [Ayvens or the car brand’s roadside assistance.](targetBlank:https://www.ayvens.com/en-fi/for-drivers/roadside-assistance/)Can the electric car’s 12V starter battery run out of power? Electric cars have a traditional 12-volt (12V) starter battery in addition to the drive battery, just like traditional fuel-powered cars. The starter battery activates for example the car’s control units, lights, and central locking, and is essential for the car to start even if the drive battery is full. The starter battery can run out of power. In that case, the car doors may not open, the dashboard may not power on, or may behave abnormally. If this happens, call [Ayvens or the car brand’s roadside assistance.](targetBlank:https://www.ayvens.com/en-fi/for-drivers/roadside-assistance/) If you cannot get into the car, you can use the mechanical key if available (often inside the remote key).Can the electric car’s starter battery be jump-started? We do not recommend it. [Ayvens roadside assistance](targetBlank:https://www.ayvens.com/en-fi/for-drivers/roadside-assistance/) can help if the starter battery runs out of power, whether you are far from home or just leaving home.

Published at 5 February 2026

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5 February 2026