Climate impact on electric vehicle energy consumption in the Baltic Region
Estonian University of Life Sciences, Institute of Forestry and Engineering, Kreutzwaldi street 1a, EE51006 Tartu, Estonia
*Correspondence: aimarpuusepp@gmail.com
Abstract:
Electric vehicles (EVs) have seen increased interest in recent years as a lower-emission alternative to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, with much of their growth driven by government subsidies and incentives across Europe. However, as these incentives have slowed, the EV market faces new challenges, particularly in the Baltic countries where the climate significantly impacts EV performance. Low temperatures, common in Baltic weather, can notably affect EVs’ range and energy efficiency, influencing operational costs and user satisfaction. Understanding how Baltic weather conditions, primarily temperature, influence the energy consumption of EVs is essential to gaining a deeper understanding of their efficiency in low temperatures and harsh weather conditions. The main aim of this study is to assess the impact of varying weather conditions on EV energy consumption, providing valuable insights into their efficiency under cold and variable climatic conditions. The primary goal is to identify the factors most responsible for increased energy consumption in these conditions. In this study, a series of controlled real-world driving tests were conducted, during which an EV (Nissan Leaf) was driven multiple times along identical routes under different weather conditions. The temperatures during these tests ranged from 20 °C to -15 °C. The 2024/2025 winter season was unusually warm in the Baltic region; therefore, tests could not be conducted at lower temperatures. Variables such as distance, temperature, battery state, and the use of accessories were recorded and subsequently analysed. Additionally, energy losses during EV battery charging were measured and evaluated. The collected data was analysed statistically, and mathematical models were developed to provide accurate predictions of battery usage under varying ambient temperatures. The results indicate that low temperatures increase EV energy consumption due to the additional energy required for battery and cabin heating. A more detailed analysis reveals that the most significant increase in energy consumption occurs at an ambient temperature of -10 °C. Overall, this study demonstrates that Baltic weather conditions can lead to a substantial decrease in EV range and efficiency, with low temperatures being the most impactful factor. By providing real-world data, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of EV efficiency in the Baltic region, offering practical insights for EV users and researchers.
Key words:
Baltic climate, electric vehicle, energy consumption, range efficiency, real-world driving tests