Hi everyone, I’m debating whether to install a Level 2 charger at home. Right now, I’m using Level 1 charging, and with temps around 0°C, it’s been fine since I only drive 20-30 km/day. But with winter coming, I’m worried about how it will handle the extreme cold here (-15°C to -20°C most of the time, but it can drop to -30°C to -40°C for a couple of weeks). My car is parked in an uninsulated, detached garage.
Does anyone have experience with Level 1 charging in such extreme cold?
Level 2 charging will make a huge difference in these temperatures. It’s a worthwhile upgrade.
Is it really as cold inside your garage as it is outside? If it is, Level 1 won’t give you much charge at those temperatures since most of the power will go to battery heating instead of charging.
Kenneth said:
Is it really as cold inside your garage as it is outside? If it is, Level 1 won’t give you much charge at those temperatures since most of the power will go to battery heating instead of charging.
Yes, the garage is uninsulated, so it’s usually the same temperature as outside.
@Maria
In that case, you should seriously consider getting Level 2. It’ll not only charge faster but also help with preheating the battery and cabin.
In extreme cold, most of the energy from Level 1 will go to battery and cabin conditioning rather than actual charging. It’s not very efficient in those conditions.
EVs are much less efficient in the cold. Heating the cabin and battery can easily reduce efficiency by 30-40%. While Level 1 can work, you’d need 1.5-2x the charging time to cover the same distance compared to warmer weather.
@Thomas
I live in a slightly warmer climate, and when it hit -20°C, I was only getting about 50% efficiency with Level 1 charging. At -30°C to -40°C, it’ll be tough.
@Thomas
EVs without heat pumps struggle even more in the cold. If your car doesn’t have one, you’ll notice an even bigger drop in efficiency.
I live in a city where it regularly hits -30°C in winter, and a Level 2 charger has been a game-changer for me. I own two EVs, and it makes everything so much easier.
I used Level 1 charging at -20°C when parking outside, and it still worked, but most of the power was going to warm up the battery rather than actually charging it.
The key is figuring out the temperature inside your garage. Even an unheated but insulated garage can make a big difference. If you’re not planning long trips, you could save money by converting your existing outlet to a 6-15 plug for slightly faster charging. But for the best experience, a hardwired Level 2 charger is worth it.
Level 2 will save you a lot of hassle in extreme cold. Check for rebates or subsidies from your local government or even your car manufacturer to reduce the cost.
It depends on your car and setup. Wind chill and garage insulation make a huge difference. If you don’t want to go full Level 2, you could install a 15 or 20A 240V outlet. It’s much faster than Level 1 and doesn’t require as big of an investment.
What about adding a battery heater? I know there’s no ‘block heater’ equivalent for EV batteries yet, but maybe a heated mat under the car could help. Just an idea—your mileage may vary.
I’ve been charging my 2017 Ioniq EV on Level 1 outside in Canada for years. My commute is about 20 km round trip, and I’ve had no major issues. Just remember: Always be charging!