EV Weather Range Calculator
Rain on the windshield, wind at the door. Bad weather costs you range — see how much, and how to drive through a storm efficiently.
Adjusted range
Weather penalty
Range lost
Extra energy / 100 km
Bad-weather driving tips
- Slow down 10-15 km/h. Wind and rain effects shrink quickly with speed.
- Check tire pressure. Cold wet roads already cost range; soft tires cost more.
- Remove roof racks. Huge aerodynamic penalty, worse in wind.
- Plan a buffer. Bad weather is unpredictable — add 15% to your planned stops.
How it's calculated
- Rain adds rolling resistance and drag: +3% light, +8% heavy.
- Headwind adds drag proportional to speed; strong headwind at 120 km/h costs 12-18%.
- Crosswind adds ~4%; a tailwind gives ~4% back.
- Accessories (wipers, defogger, lights) add ~1-2%.
- Estimates — real impact varies with speed and storm severity.
Frequently asked questions
Does rain reduce EV range?
Yes — rain increases rolling resistance and aerodynamic drag. Expect 5-10% range loss in heavy rain, plus the effect of wipers, defogging and headlights.
How much does headwind affect EV range?
A 30 km/h headwind at highway speed can increase energy use by 10-20%. The effect compounds with speed — a strong headwind at 120 km/h is very costly.
Do crosswinds affect range?
Less than headwinds, but they still add drag. The car must fight the lateral force, which increases tire scrub and aerodynamic losses, typically 3-8% at highway speed.
How can I reduce weather range loss?
Slow down in strong wind, inflate tires properly, remove roof racks, and reduce air conditioning in heat or use seat heaters in cold. Every bit counts in bad weather.