The Cold Weather Battery Drain
As temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C), lithium-ion batteries experience increased internal resistance. Our lab tests show this can result in a temporary range reduction of up to 30%.
Data-Backed Storage Strategies
- Never charge below freezing: Charging a lithium-ion cell at sub-zero temperatures causes permanent lithium plating, permanently destroying capacity. Always let the board warm up indoors for 2 hours before plugging it in.
- Storage Voltage: If you are storing your PEV for the winter, drain the battery to approximately 50-60%. Storing at 100% accelerates cell degradation.
Need a Winter-Ready Upgrade?
If you commute year-round, look for PEVs with active battery management systems (BMS) that regulate temperature. Check out our top winter-rated commuter board.