Is Tesla Good for Cold Weather? (Tested & Explained)

Tesla is a company that is known for its electric cars. Some people believe Teslas are not good for cold weather, but is this the case?

Is Tesla good for cold weather?

Teslas are great for cold weather. They have all-wheel drive and heated seats to keep you cozy, plus they have excellent traction control to help you stay safe on icy roads. Teslas are also very efficient in the snow, so you will save money on gas while still getting around safely.

Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about how Teslas are good for cold weather.

10 Reasons Tesla Is Good in Cold Weather

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Tesla Car on a snowy highway - Is Tesla Good for Cold Weather
I made this image with Jasper Art – Is Tesla Good for Cold Weather?

There are at least 10 reasons that Tesla is good in cold weather.

Let’s go through each one so that you fully get the picture of why Tesla is such a good vehicle for winter driving.

1. All-Wheel Drive

Tesla’s all-wheel drive is good in cold weather.

It gives the car more traction, which is helpful when driving on slippery roads. Also, it helps to keep the car’s battery warm, which can extend its range in cold weather.

And finally, it can help to prevent the car from getting stuck in the snow.

So, if you live in a cold climate and are considering a Tesla, be sure to opt for the all-wheel drive model.

2. Excellent Range

Tesla’s excellent range is good in cold weather.

The battery is designed to maintain its charge in cold weather. The electric motor is highly efficient, meaning that it doesn’t lose power in cold weather as a gasoline engine does.

In addition, the regenerative braking system recaptures energy that would be lost in conventional braking.

This allows the battery to maintain its charge for a longer period of time.

3. Fast Charging

Tesla offers a fast-charging system, which is critical in cold weather.

You can get your car back on the road faster with a rapid charge. The fast charging system is also good in cold weather because it can help to maintain the battery’s capacity.

In addition, the fast charge will help to keep the battery warm, which can prevent the battery from freezing.

4. Heated Seats and Steering Wheel

Tesla’s heated seats and steering wheel are great in cold weather because they keep you warm and comfortable.

The seats are heated by electricity, so they’re comfortable and efficient.

The steering wheel is also heated, so you don’t have to worry about your hands getting cold. When your body is cold from being outside, these heated features can get you toasty in no time.

5. Onboard Heater

Tesla’s onboard heater is good in cold weather because it can help to keep the car and its passengers warm.

The heater can be turned on before you get into the car so that the car and its interior are already warmed up by the time you get in. Which is something I’ve always appreciated about Teslas.

This can be a lifesaver on cold mornings, and it can help you to avoid getting frostbite or hypothermia.

Additionally, the onboard heater can help to de-ice the windshield and windows, which can be extremely helpful in winter weather.

6. Insulated Battery

Tesla’s insulated battery is good in cold weather because it is designed to maintain a consistent temperature.

This means that the battery will not overheat or freeze in extreme temperatures.

Additionally, the insulation prevents heat loss, so the battery can stay at the same temperature for longer. The end result is a better-performing battery.

7. Excellent Traction Control

Tesla’s excellent traction control is good in cold weather because it helps to prevent the wheels from spinning and losing grip on the road.

This is especially important when driving on icy or slippery roads, as it can help to keep the car under control and avoid accidents.

The system works by constantly monitoring the speed of each wheel and applying the brakes as necessary to keep them from spinning.

This helps to maintain traction and stability, even in challenging driving conditions.

8. Winter Tires

Tesla’s winter tires are good in cold weather for a number of reasons.

They are made with a special compound that helps to grip the road better in icy and snowy conditions. They also have a deeper tread depth than summer or all-season tires, which helps to provide better traction.

Finally, they are designed to operate at lower temperatures without losing their flexibility, so they remain effective in colder weather.

9. Wiper Blade Defrosters

Tesla’s wiper blade defrosters are good in cold weather because they help to keep the windshield clear of ice and snow.

The blades are made of a special material designed to resist freezing, so they can still provide good visibility even in the harshest conditions.

In addition, the blades are also heated to help prevent ice build-up.

This helps keep the windshield clear and improves visibility in cold driving conditions.

10. Remote Start

In cold weather, Tesla’s remote start is good because it allows you to start your car without having to go outside and get in it.

This means you can stay warm and dry inside while your car warms up, making it more comfortable for you when you go outside. Also, a remote start can help defrost your windshield, giving you better visibility while driving.

Here is a good video about how well Teslas perform in cold weather:

YouTube video by Tech Vision – Is Tesla Good for Cold Weather?

How Cold Is Too Cold for Tesla?

Most experts agree that 32 degrees Fahrenheit is probably the coldest temperature you should allow your Tesla to be exposed to for an extended period of time.

Anything below that, you risk damaging the battery.

Which can lead to a loss in performance or even completely ruin the car.

The specific temperature depends on various factors, such as how well the Tesla is insulated, what kind of battery it has, and how cold the temperature gets.

Does Tesla Battery Drain in Cold Weather?

Tesla batteries may experience a loss of capacity in cold weather.

This is due to the fact that cold weather can reduce the battery’s ability to store and release energy. A Tesla battery may lose up to 30 to 40% of its capacity in cold weather.

However, this loss of capacity is typically temporary and the battery will regain its full capacity once it warms up.

There are a few things that you can do to help minimize the impact of cold weather on your Tesla battery.

  • Try to keep your battery warm by parking in a garage or using a battery warmer.
  • Avoid using features of your car that require a lot of energy, such as the heater and seat heaters.
  • Make sure to keep your battery at full capacity so that it has a full charge going into the cold weather.

Do Teslas Get Worse Mileage in the Cold?

Teslas don’t generally get worse mileage in the cold, but a few things can affect how far you can go.

If you live in an area with really cold winters, your car might use more battery power to keep itself warm. This means that you might not be able to go as far on a single charge as you could in warmer weather.

Another thing that can affect your mileage is how you drive.

If you tend to drive faster in the cold, you’ll use your battery power more quickly. Finally, if you use a lot of accessories like the heater and seat warmers, that will drain your battery faster.

Tesla Cold Weather Ranges

Tesla ModelsTesla Cold Weather Range
Tesla Model 3198 Miles
Tesla Model Y320 Miles
Tesla Model X348 Miles
Chart: Tesla Cold Weather Ranges – Is Tesla Good for Cold Weather?

In tests, the Tesla Model X did not lose range in cold weather.

If you want to maximize your range, it’s best to keep your speed down and limit your use of accessories in cold weather.

You can also use the Tesla Cold Weather Package.

Can I Leave Tesla Outside in Winter?

I don’t recommend that you leave your Tesla outside in winter if the temperature is below -22° F.

In particular, avoid prolonged exposure to cold weather (meaning, more than 24 hours at a time). If you do keep a Tesla outside all winter, the vehicle may lose performance.

When at all possible, I always recommend Tesla owners park their cars in a garage.

Heated or unheated, a garage will protect your Tesla from the worst of weather degradation. However, plenty of people in cold places like Canada and Michigan, USA, do keep their Teslas outside in winter without issues.

What Is the Tesla Cold Weather Package?

As the name suggests, the Tesla Cold Weather Package is a set of features and options designed to improve the performance of your Tesla car in cold weather conditions.

Some of the key features included in the package are:

  • Heated front and rear seats. Keeps you warm and comfortable even on the coldest days.
  • Heated steering wheel. Helps you maintain a comfortable grip on the wheel and avoid numb fingers.
  • Wiper blade defrosters. Prevents ice and snow build-up on the windshield wipers for clear visibility.
  • Battery heater. Keeps the battery at optimal operating temperature, improving range and performance in cold weather.

The Cold Weather Package is an optional extra that can be added to any Tesla car and is particularly recommended for those who live in areas with really cold winters.

It’s important to note that the package does not make the car “winter-proof.”

It’s still important to take care when driving in icy or snowy conditions. However, it does help to improve the performance and comfort of your Tesla car in cold weather.

Final Thoughts: Is Tesla Good for Cold Weather?

If you’re looking for a car that can handle whatever Old Man Winter throws your way, a Tesla should be at the top of your list.

With gas prices going up almost every week, it’s almost a no-brainer.

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