How to boost your EV range in cold weather - Tips for private hire drivers

As winter arrives, you might notice your electric vehicle’s (EV’s) range changing in colder weather - a normal part of how all electric vehicle batteries work. But with a few smart habits, you can keep your vehicle running efficiently and stay on the road earning throughout the season.

Understanding how low temperatures affect your battery - and knowing some simple tips to maximise your range - can help you drive confidently, complete more trips, and make the most of every mile during the colder months.

Why EV range changes in winter

​When temperatures drop, it’s normal for electric car batteries to work a little differently. Cooler conditions slow the chemical processes inside the lithium-ion batteries, which means your EV may show a temporary change in range.

​You’re also more likely to encounter extreme winter conditions - like snow or freezing temperatures - which means using your heating system more often. The energy that would usually go towards driving is instead keeping you and your passengers warm and comfortable, so it’s natural to see a small reduction in range.

All vehicles - even diesel or petrol vehicles - feel the impact of extreme temperatures, but electric car drivers tend to notice it more simply because electric cars are so efficient in your daily driving experience.

According to PodPoint, an EV may show a 10–30% reduction in range during freezing conditions. So if you’re seeing a few fewer miles on the dashboard, don’t worry - it’s expected, and your range typically bounces back as the weather warms up.

The great news? With a few simple habits, you can minimise range loss and keep your EV running smoothly and efficiently all winter long.

How to improve your range in cold weather as a private hire driver

Below are practical tips designed specifically for private hire drivers, to help you maximise your range between jobs this winter:

1. Use regenerative braking

As a private hire driver working in busy towns and cities across England and Wales, stop-start driving is a big part of your day - and in winter, it can actually help you out. Cold weather can temporarily reduce your EV’s range, but frequent slowing down and speeding up gives regenerative braking more opportunities to work. 

Every time you lift off the accelerator, your EV recovers energy and feeds it back into the battery. Over a long shift with lots of pick-ups, drop-offs, and city traffic, that reclaimed energy can help preserve your range and keep your EV running efficiently throughout the colder months. 

2. Switch on ECO Mode when you’re working

​ECO Mode adjusts things like how quickly your car accelerates, how much heating you use, and how the power is delivered. This helps you save more energy overall and ultimately boosts your electric car range.

In cold conditions, this is especially helpful. Cold temperatures can reduce your battery’s efficiency, and using the heater more can use up your range faster. ECO Mode reduces energy use in the background so your battery lasts longer.

For private hire drivers working long winter shifts, ECO Mode can help you get more miles from each battery charge and stay on the road for longer.

​3. Find a car that works as hard as you do

Being organised is a big part of succeeding as a private hire driver - and that starts with choosing the right car. You know your schedule, your routes, and how you like to work, so it’s important to drive a vehicle that supports your habits and helps you maximise your earnings.

At Otto Car, our experts help you find a car that truly fits your lifestyle. Through our Rent to Buy and PCO Car Hire plans, we make it easy to get on the road in a vehicle that matches your goals and the way you work.

Your car is essentially your office on wheels, and the right choice gives you confidence on every journey - whether it’s cold, wet, warm or somewhere in between. That means choosing a model with the range you need, plus the features that help you stay efficient and boost your mileage throughout the year, like a heated steering wheel, seat heaters, or heat pump technology. 

With the right car model behind you, you can focus on what matters: driving with peace of mind and earning more from every shift. 

Explore our range of Uber-ready electric cars ready to support you on the road to success.

4. Drive smoothly & accelerate gently

Quick acceleration uses a lot of energy and in cold weather, your battery is already working harder. Just like conventional cars, smoother driving helps your EV perform better and protects your range. Even reducing your speed slightly - just 5-10mph - can help make up for the miles you naturally lose in colder temperatures. 

Safety is also a big part of this. In winter, roads can be wet, icy or more unpredictable, so gentle acceleration and steady speeds don’t just save energy - they help keep you and your passengers safer on every journey.
 
At Otto Car, your safety matters to us. We put it at the heart of everything we do. Our team of driving experts are always here if you want advice, support or even a coaching session to build confidence behind the wheel.
 
With the right support and small changes to your driving style, you can stay safe, protect your range in cold weather, and drive with real peace of mind all winter long.

5. Precondition your EV before your shift

Electric car owners have a real benefit during the colder months due to a standard EV feature called ‘preconditioning’. Preconditioning warms up both the battery and the cabin before you start driving - and while your car is still plugged in.

For private hire drivers working long winter shifts, this small step can make a big difference. Here’s how it helps:

• You start your shift with a warm car, more efficient battery, which give you the maximum range right from the first trip.
• You save valuable energy because the heating you’d normally use on the road is powered directly from the charger instead of your battery.
• Your passengers step into a warm, comfortable car, helping you create a great first impression - especially on cold mornings or late-night jobs.

You can pre-condition at home or while plugged into a public charger before your shift. It takes just a few moments and helps you begin the day comfortable, efficient, and ready to earn.

6. Turn on your heated seats instead of full cabin heating

As a private hire driver, you’re in your car for long stretches of time and in winter, keeping everyone warm matters. But heating the whole cabin uses a lot of energy and can cut into your range.

Heated seats and heated steering wheels use far less power while still keeping you and your passengers comfortable. Most riders appreciate the instant warmth, and it means you’re not relying on energy-heavy cabin heating to do all the work.

By choosing seat heaters first, you stay warm, keep passengers happy, and protect your range so you can get more from every shift. There are also lots of cars that have heated front seats, meaning you can be even more targeted with how you stay warm.

Driving smart this winter can help you get more from your range. Learn more about the other ways electric cars can save you money as a private hire driver.

​Take the next step with Otto Car

Starting out as a private hire driver can feel overwhelming at time - but with Otto Car, you’re never on your own. We offer more than just a car; we provide the support, guidance, and community you need to succeed.

Explore our range of electric vehicles through our Rent to Buy or PCO Car Hire plan that fits your needs. With our all-inclusive plans, you know that the weekly costs are clear and there won’t be surprises.

Visit one of our London hubs or call 02039951316. The friendly Otto Team is here to help.