Can EV Batteries Withstand Canada’s Climate Changes Experts Discuss
Experts explore how electric vehicle batteries cope with Canada’s extreme weather conditions and what it means for EV users
Canada, EV Batteries, Climate Change, Electric Vehicles, Extreme Weather
Toronto: With electric vehicle sales booming in Canada, a big question is whether the batteries can handle the wild weather changes we’re seeing. Experts are weighing in on this topic.
Canadians have raised concerns about EVs for years. They worry about everything from the price and battery life to charging options, especially in remote areas. But it turns out that battery performance in our warming climate is improving.
Cara Clairman, the CEO of Plug’n Drive, shared that today’s batteries are much better than those from earlier models. She mentioned her experience with a 2011 Nissan Leaf, which struggled more in cold weather compared to newer models.
Canada had its warmest winter on record recently, and with climate change, we can expect more temperature extremes. Thankfully, battery technology is adapting. Clairman noted that modern EVs can travel over 200 kilometers on a single charge, with some even exceeding 350 kilometers.
Battery thermal management systems are key to this improvement. They help keep the battery at the right temperature, which means less range loss in cold weather. While cold can still affect battery performance, it’s not as big of a deal as it used to be.
However, it’s not all smooth sailing. Reports from the U.S. showed that frigid temperatures can still drain batteries quickly. But Clairman pointed out that gas cars also struggle in extreme cold, so it’s not just an EV issue.
When temperatures drop to around -30°C, both EVs and gas cars can lose range. But overall, EVs are holding up well. Clairman believes that most people won’t drive long distances daily, so a slight range loss isn’t a major concern.
Experts also highlighted that while cold weather can hide some energy in the battery, it doesn’t necessarily shorten its lifespan. Nathaniel Pearre from Dalhousie University explained that charging a cold battery too quickly can cause damage, so it’s best to be cautious.
On the flip side, high temperatures can also degrade battery performance. But again, thermal management systems help regulate battery temperature, keeping them safe in both hot and cold conditions.
Overall, EVs seem to be managing well despite Canada’s weather challenges. As technology continues to improve, we can expect even better performance in the future.