How has winter driving and range loss been on the Kona Electric?

Ashutosh on 02 January 2025 12:05
Cold weather reduces the range of electric vehicles because of such things as battery efficiency and increased energy use for cabin heating. For those in colder climates who rely on their EV for daily commuting, or longer trips, this can be a major concern. On paper, the Kona Electric, with its advertised range over 400 km, should be promising. But how does it actually work when temperatures are below freezing? Winter range loss and overall cold weather performance have been reported by owners to vary. Also, how does the Kona’s heat pump system compare to other EVs? Is the Kona Electric an all year round practical vehicle for those living in areas with harsh winters?
Reena on 12 November 2024 06:22
I am in Canada and my Kona EV has been great in the winter. Yes you lose some range, but it is manageable. A heat pump helps a lot and I still get 300+ km even in freezing temps.

Monika on 17 November 2024 04:46
Driving in the Kona in the winter sucks. When it's really cold, I lose almost 40% range and the regen braking barely works. Not so ideal if you have a long commute in a cold climate.

Love on 25 November 2024 10:26
It’s not good, but not bad either. I would expect 25-30% range loss in sub zero temps. The bigger issue for me is how long it takes to charge in the cold (DC fast charging is way slower in the cold than in summer).

Preeti on 29 November 2024 04:51
I think it does well in winter having moved from a Nissan Leaf. Heat pump is pretty efficient and the range loss isn't as bad as some other EVs I've tried. You just have to plan your trips a little more carefully.

Abhishek on 03 December 2024 23:26
In fact, I actually prefer winter driving in my Kona EV than my old gas car. Its instant torque and low center of gravity make it feel really stable on snowy roads. There is range loss, but it’s predictable and easy to plan around.


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