Should I be worried about my new electric Renault 5 e-tech in winter

In winter should I be worried about my new electric Renault 5 e-tech- does this impact range?

The news and media have been responding to the change in weather this week, by pointing out to UK customers that there may need to be action with “urging warning issued” to those enjoying the benefits of lithium-ion technology.

As reported in the Birmingham Live  and other similar platforms, there seems to be an indication that the chilly winter months may lead to a decrease in charge / range, leading to more potential issues in terms of charging frequency and duration. But is external temperature, and seasonable disparity, really a new facet in the world of electric car leasing?

The quandary of seasonal impact on an EV isn’t actually a new revelation. Since mass-adoption in 2020, there has been noticeable differences in vehicle performance due to an array of conditions or criteria:

•  Summer
•  Winter
•  Motorway driving
•  City / stop-start driving
•  Hard acceleration
•  Charging habits

Where most of the frustration stems from is that many manufacturers use WLTP combined figures on their website. The Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure, which was introduced to ensure more rigorous vehicle testing for combustion vehicles, does not always provide the most reliable data for electric car customers to use.

A WLTP analysis is based on depleting a vehicle battery in an ambient temperature and using laboratory testing standards. While the combined figures do look at low-speed and high-speed phases, this is still underpinned by more clinical testing than real-world application.

The obvious point is how similar is WLTP to the UK roads? The truth is that the synergy is not always that accurate, with some drivers noting that high-speed winter driving was leading to range estimations (which their car provides) which fell below the advertised figures in the public domain and on manufacturer websites. What seemed to be systemic mis-selling and concern, can actually be overcome with some basic information.

How e-car lease provides useful data to allay range anxiety concerns

When we re-launched the e-car lease website in 2022, the types of data we used was more accurate and useful to help remove some of the stigma around zero-emission driving.

One of the big decisions was for our all-electric proposition to display a more balanced view of how the EV will perform, taking into consideration a number of key metrics. In partnership with the team at EVDB our “living with your …” and EVC™ was innovated. Using the upcoming  Renault 5 e-tech   as an example, you can see how this applies:

The range of the Renault 5 EV

As you will note, the range your EV will travel is impacted by the external temperature and the driver speed. This should not cause urgent warning or alarm; this is just about managing the worst case scenarios when they arise.

When you consider that the average annual mileage is only around 10,000 per annuum for most UK drivers (which is roughly 833 miles per month and 208 per week), there needs to be an understanding that this is not going to place massive amount of effort on their cars.

In the UK we don’t suffer with much in terms of winter extremity, so the time period when it is literally “freezing” is not actually that significant. When you consider that vehicle speed / acceleration is another factor, you need to consider how this will actually resonate with your driving style. Many of us operate in towns and cities, so are more than likely to incur stop/start driving and lower speeds. This is where the EV performs so eloquently.

Good practice, and planning, is another part of the EV lifestyle. There is a corresponding obligation on utilising your electric car compared to a combustion alternative. Considering you have lower charging costs (vs fuel), cheaper servicing and a beneficial Whole of Life position, this is a small price to pay.

One of the easiest solutions for minimising the impact of the cold weather is to use a charge point at home (or work) for the colder mornings and evenings. If you have your EV plugged in when you pre-condition the battery, this will use the charge point to warm the batteries and the vehicle, as opposed to the batteries alone. Using your battery to cold-start is not as efficient and you will soon note the drop in range and efficiency.

Driving style and behaviours are also important with harsh acceleration and higher speeds more than likely to impinge on your range criteria. It is easy to fall for the allure of the performance of an electric car, but enjoying the astonishing 0-62 times can cost your battery efficiency. Not unlike a combustion option, if you drive conservatively and carefully, you are rewarded with more robust efficiency.

But how does the new Renault 5  EV perform? Can this handle the winter in the UK?

We have provided data on the basic / entry model below:

40 kWh standard - (from £22,000) this has a usable battery of 40 kWh which offers 70 kW (94hp), top speeds of 87 mph and 0-62 times of 10.0 seconds. Real-world ranges suggest a combined 130 miles in colder weather with warmer temperatures to allow for 180 miles (on a full charge) - combined overall at 155 miles.

The 11kW AC allows for 0-100% charging times of 4 hour and 30 minutes with the 80 kW DC enabling 10-80% in 30 minutes. It has a 157 mpg equivalent, 326L cargo volume and offers towing capacities of 500kg (Braked and Unbraked). There is a heat pump on this EV. Bidirectional charging has not been confirmed for this model.

Need more help and advice on your new Renault 5 e-tech for 2025 and beyond?

Just get in touch with our team on 01942 910 001 or by emailing us at [email protected] Alternatively, just build your preferred option at the manufacturer website and send this for us to provide an instant leasing quotation for you.

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