Your first EV road trip
Plugs, charging stops and what to expect — the basics for new EV owners.
Read the guideWinter EV road trips
Cold weather is the biggest variable on a Canadian EV road trip. Here’s what changes, and how to plan for it.
Why range drops in the cold
Batteries are less efficient when they’re cold, and heating the cabin uses energy. Depending on the car, the temperature and your speed, winter highway range can be noticeably lower than the summer number.
Charging can be slower too
A cold battery accepts power more slowly, so fast-charging stops can take longer. Many EVs can warm the battery on the way to a fast charger — check your car’s settings.
How GYST plans for winter
GYST checks the weather along your route and adjusts expected range for cold, heat, rain and snow automatically — no manual temperature settings. On very cold days, GYST also tells you when the temperature is cutting your range.
Winter road trip checklist
Plan to arrive at chargers with a bigger buffer than you would in summer.
Warm the cabin while the car is still plugged in, if your car supports it.
Clear snow and ice from the charge port, lights and sensors before you go.
Recalculate your plan the morning you leave so it uses the latest forecast.
Common questions
How much range does an EV lose in winter?
It varies by vehicle, temperature, speed and heating use. Plan with a larger buffer and let GYST adjust the estimate for the weather along your route.
Does GYST account for cold weather?
Yes. GYST uses the weather along your route to adjust range for cold, heat, rain and snow, without any manual settings.
Winter driving can be unpredictable. Check road conditions and your plan before you leave.
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