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Do electric cars need to warm up?

I just purchased a new EV and I live in a slightly colder climate. I remember by parents always sending me outside to warm the car for them. Do electric cars need to warm up?

avatar
Marlee John · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Congrats on your purchase!
Electric cars
aren’t like old cars which needed to “warm-up” but some experts suggest warming up your car a bit before you put the pedal to the metal.
Like all cars, electric car motors work best when they are warm. This doesn’t mean you can’t drive the car in the winter, but it’s not the greatest idea to accelerate the moment you turn the car on.
EV batteries do lose some driving range in the cold weather since some of the energy is put towards keeping the battery warm. Keeping your vehicle plugged in allows the motor and seats to warm up without sacrificing driving range.
EVs don’t cause emissions when idling, so letting your car run for about a minute to two should be enough time for systems to get up and running won’t hurt the environment.
It also gives you some time for the defrosters and seat warmers to activate, especially if you’re using a remote starter or app. There’s nothing like jumping into a warm car!
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