
Caution: This story only reflects the experience of one EV owner and may not be representative of MANY or ALL EV Owners
For the past month, one EV owner has been forced to drive a gas-powered rental car after a recall left his Hyundai EV undriveable. While some critics argue that electric vehicles struggle in cold weather, this experience highlighted the very real inconveniences of gasoline cars—especially in winter conditions.
The assumption that EVs are inherently worse in the cold has been widely circulated, but this driver’s time away from his EV has shown the opposite to be true. Over several weeks of freezing temperatures, he found himself frustrated by the inefficiencies, discomfort, and hassle that come with driving a gas-powered vehicle.
Gas Cars Are Cold
One of the most noticeable differences between EVs and gas-powered cars in the winter is cabin heating. In an EV equipped with a heat pump, warmth is available almost immediately, providing comfort from the moment the driver enters the vehicle. In contrast, a gas-powered car relies on engine heat to warm up the interior, meaning that during cold starts, the cabin remains frigid until the engine has had time to reach operating temperature.
During his time with the gas rental, the driver experienced the frustrating reality of waiting for warmth each morning, a sharp contrast to the nearly instant heat provided by his EV. The convenience of an EV heat pump was sorely missed as he endured the discomfort of an engine-dependent heating system.
Gas Cars Are Inconvenient
The need to refuel multiple times over the course of a month also became a significant annoyance. Unlike an EV that could have easily been charged at home or work with minimal effort, the gas-powered rental required multiple trips to the gas station.
The first time he needed fuel, he was in downtown Portland, where gas stations were scarce, forcing him to go out of his way. The second time, he was heading out for a hike in rural Maine and realized there were no gas stations on his route for 20 miles. The final time, he was on his way to return the rental car and found that there were no stations within five miles of the rental agency, adding yet another detour to his journey.
Had he been driving his EV, he could have avoided all of these trips to the gas station entirely. Charging at home overnight or while parked at work would have been more than enough to cover his driving needs for the entire month.
Gas Cars Are Both Cold and Inconvenient
Refueling a gas-powered car in freezing temperatures proved to be one of the most unpleasant parts of the experience. While the warmest refueling stop took place at 20 degrees Fahrenheit, other instances were even colder. Standing outside, exposed to the elements, waiting for the gas pump to authorize payment and process the transaction, made every gas stop an uncomfortable chore.
Adding to the frustration, gas pumps often require the driver to enter their zip code and manually complete authorization, which extends the time spent standing in the cold. At one point, the station’s hold-open clip wasn’t functioning, meaning he had to grip the nozzle the entire time without being able to put his hands in his pockets for warmth.
In contrast, charging an EV takes seconds to initiate. The driver simply plugs in the charging cable, activates payment remotely if necessary, and then waits somewhere warm—inside the car, in a store, or at home. Unlike at a gas station, where refueling must be actively monitored, EV charging typically happens when the car is parked and the driver is occupied elsewhere. Publisher’s Note: This seems like a push to us!
The Reality of Vehicle Recalls
While the situation that forced this driver into a gas rental was frustrating, it is important to recognize that vehicle recalls and delays in repair parts are not exclusive to EVs. Gas-powered cars also experience recalls that can leave owners without their vehicles for weeks or even months.
The issue with his Hyundai EV is undeniably an inconvenience, but it does not reflect on EVs as a whole. Once this recall is resolved, the driver is eager to return to the convenience, efficiency, and comfort of his electric vehicle.
The Takeaway
This firsthand experience challenges the popular misconception that EVs are impractical in cold weather. While gas car enthusiasts argue that cold temperatures reduce an EV’s range, they often overlook the inconveniences of gasoline cars in winter conditions, including slow heating, frequent fuel stops, and exposure to the elements.
For those who regularly drive in cold climates, an EV equipped with a heat pump offers significant advantages. The ability to preheat the cabin while plugged in, charge at home instead of making extra trips to refuel, and avoid standing outside in freezing temperatures all make for a more comfortable and convenient winter driving experience.
Make up your mind for yourself
As more drivers make the switch to EVs, the outdated narratives about winter performance will continue to be challenged by real-world experiences. In the end, it’s not just about efficiency—it’s about convenience, comfort, and making driving easier, no matter the season.
At Charged Up!, we keep businesses and individuals informed about the evolving EV landscape. For more updates and insights, subscribe to our newsletter at chargeduppro.com/subscribe.
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