Find charging stations for electric cars in cold weather

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – With frigid cold temperatures impacting Massachusetts, many electric vehicle drivers have reported a drop in battery life.

When temperatures drop below 20 degrees, the EVs’ driving range could be reduced by 41%, according to AAA. The HVAC system used to heat a vehicle’s interior is largely to blame.

To avoid the extra strain on your EV’s battery, AAA recommends warming your vehicle up while it’s still charging, and building in pit stops for recharging into your trip. If possible, keep your EV in a garage, which will allow its temperature to stabilize.

Planning can help offset the hit your battery takes. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, there are 2,884 public electric stations in Massachusetts.

MAP: Where to find Electric Vehicle charging stations in Massachusetts

22News is working for you with a map of where EV charging stations are located throughout the state.

“As long as drivers understand that there are limitations when operating electric vehicles in more extreme climates, they’re less likely to be caught off guard by a drop in driving range,” said Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA.

All vehicle batteries, EVs or gas-powered cars, can struggle in winter. When temperatures drop, the cold can slow the chemical reactions in your vehicle’s battery, leading to a lower output.

On Thursday, the Biden-Harris Administration announced Massachusetts is awarded grant funding to make existing electric vehicle charging infrastructure more reliable. The town of Norwood was awarded $240,000 to implement four electric ports.

“The EV revolution is here. To make the most of it we must ensure that everyone, from the largest cities to the most rural communities, has access to reliable EV charging infrastructure,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “These grants bring us another step closer to a national EV charging network that keeps up with the EV transition that’s well underway.”