Range loss in Winter

[pksilver]

Hi Team,

I have an approx 2 yr old MG EV 4 SE with about 6,000 miles usage. I just wondered what was an acceptable reduced range in the cooler months. In August I was getting 307 miles at 100% charge (ECO), in Oct this dropped to 240 miles at 100% charge (ECO), now in Nov I am getting 210mi at 100% (ECO) -temp today around 8°C, does this sound about right. I did take the car in for diagnostics check but they said battery was ok. TIA

 

[CCMG]

This is the ZS section. But with my ZS EV LR in the UK, the best I got was 4.5 mi/kWh average over the month of June this year, down to about 3.5 mi/kWh average in winter last year. So about 230 miles minimum in winter and 300 miles in the summer.

The range shown is based on recent driving style too so depends how heavy your right foot is and what percentage of motorways you do, and how much the heating is on. But what you say doesn't sound out of the ordinary.

 

[Jomarkh]

Range could drop between 20-30% in the winter.

 

[pksilver]

This is the ZS section. But with my ZS EV LR in the UK, the best I got was 4.5 mi/kwh average over the month of June this year, down to about 3.5 mi/kwh average in winter last year. So about 230 miles minimum in winter and 300 miles in the summer.

The range shown is based on recent driving style too so depends how heavy your right foot is and what percentage of motorways you do, and how much the heating is on. But what you say doesn't sound out of the ordinary.

Ok thanks I’m guessing as we aren’t into the coldest part of the year yet it could still drop further should I be concerned if it drops below 200 mi on 100 %?

 

[pollenface]

should I be concerned if it drops below 200m on 100 %?

You are observing normal battery behavior in cold climates.

If you charge at home, turn the cabin heater on remotely 20 mins before you get going while it's plugged into the charger, it will save a few %

tire pressure will drop slightly in cold weather, make sure they're all topped up.

 

[salty]

Don't worry about range loss in winter, it's gonna happen. You'll just have to charge it more often. Simple really.

 

[chowbenter]

I've noticed our 2023 Trophy SR MG ZS EV has dropped from 199 to 183 miles in normal mode when charged to 100% since the colder weather arrived.

 

[dspencer12345]

Ok thanks I’m guessing as we aren’t into the coldest part of the year yet it could still drop further should I be concerned if it drops below 200 mi on 100 %?

As well as battery chemistry, it's a lot about the heating in Winter. If you do journeys driving slowly, stuck in traffic, with the heater on, or you sit outside the supermarket waiting for your other half, then it will use considerably more energy, and the range will drop significantly. Nothing to worry about though, and if you're charging at home with an EV tariff, it won't cost you much either to be comfortable!

 

[Gadget Geek]

I did a 209 mile round trip yesterday, mainly on the M5 at 65 mph.
Started at 100% charge; temperature 9°C, used HVAC when needed.
Got home with 14% left, 29 miles on the GOM.
Averaged 3.6mi/kWh.

Very happy with that performance.

 

[pksilver]

That’s decent but I'm wondering if the 100 % limit for winter weather can be increased in any way i.e.what your range shows at full charge before setting off - my current best is about 209mi.

 

[Gadget Geek]

That’s decent but I m wondering if the 100 % limit for winter weather can be increased in any way ie what your range shows at full charge before setting off - my current best is about 209m

The GOM showed 242 miles when I set off, but I tend to ignore the GOM anyway.

 

[pksilver]

Can I ask how old your car is - I get around 300 miles in summer but it drops to around 200 for winter

 

[Gadget Geek]

72 plate.

 

[pksilver]

Hmm mine is too although it’s an SE long range not a Trophy - I did get it battery checked and they said no issues found. Wonder if I should contact manufacturer.

 

[fred12345]

Hmm mine is too although it’s an Se long range not a trophy - I did get it battery checked and they said no issues found Wonder if I should contact manufacturer

don't bother, it's down to colder days, more heating, more lights, more demisting ... mine almost halved in range

 

[Ruislip Resident]

Can I ask how old your car is - I get around 300 miles in summer but it drops to around 200 for winter

Similar to me. The 200 mile range would be for really cold days with short journeys where the battery does not have time to heat up. I have got up to 330 mi in the summer. I nearly always drive ECO unless I need an extra boost to heating or A/C.

 

[Jobhn2bol]

MG ZS EV LONG RANGE
I charge to 80% and in 15-20* I get 200miles at 0.0%* I get 160miles now the weather is getting warmer (8-10%*)i am getting 175miles

 

[fred12345]

Well, funny thing, I had to go for a bit longer mixed drive, urban, A roads and motorways (with some speed limit roadworks) so started with 100% charge thinking I would have to top up somewhere. No heating on and no lights. See before and after range ... Surprised as I was not very ECO today, had some quick overtaking ... Just goes to show not to bother with range, just stop and top up when you hit 25%-30%...

 

[salty]

Well, funny thing, I had to go for a bit longer mixed drive, urban, A roads and motorways (with some speed limit roadworks) so started with 100% charge thinking I would have to top up somewhere. No heating on and no lights. See before and after range ... Surprised as I was not very ECO today, had some quick overtaking ... Just goes to show not to bother with range, just stop and top up when you hit 25%-30%...

Agree. At whatever % you like to top up at.
Stop, and top up. Simple's. No need to over think it.

 

[peterseddon]

I use 200 in winter, 250 in summer, but my bladder runs out (Fills up) before that so stop and top up while you take a comfort break on longer journeys.