- Electric motors don’t need lubrication warm-up; you can start driving immediately.
- Cabin heating consumes 3–5 kW, reducing range if started after unplugging.
- Low temperatures reduce range by 20–40%, with worse acceleration and braking.
- Battery operates best at 15–25°C; warming improves power electronics and efficiency.
The adoption of electric vehicles is accelerating in Romania, and with it come legitimate questions about the proper use and maintenance of these cars. One of the most common questions we receive from drivers concerns the need to warm up the motor before departure — a practice well known from the world of internal combustion engines.
The adoption of electric vehicles is accelerating, and along with it there are questions about how to use and maintain these cars properly. In this article, we examine why warming up is less about lubrication for electric motors and more about cabin comfort, battery efficiency, and overall vehicle performance in cold weather.
The fundamental difference between internal combustion engines and electric motors
In cars with internal combustion engines, especially older ones equipped with carburetors, preheating was essential. The reason? The engine oil had to reach the optimal temperature to lubricate efficiently all moving components—pistons, crankshaft, camshafts. At low temperatures, oil becomes viscous, and cold starts and sudden acceleration could cause premature wear of metals.
Electric motors operate on completely different principles. They do not have pistons, cylinder heads, crankshafts, or other complex moving parts that require constant lubrication. An electric motor has only a few moving components—the rotor and its bearings—that do not require a warm-up period for optimal operation. Theoretically, you can start immediately and accelerate without the risk of mechanical damage.
However, there are serious reasons why warming up an electric car remains a recommended practice, especially in cold weather.
Why warm up the electric car in cold weather
Cabin comfort
The first and most obvious benefit is personal comfort. Nobody likes to get into a freezing car in the morning. The climate control system of an electric vehicle consumes substantial energy — between 3 and 5 kW per hour, depending on the model and outdoor temperature. If you start climate control after you’ve unplugged the car from the charger, this energy comes directly from the traction battery, reducing your range.
Protecting battery range
Li-ion batteries operate best at moderate temperatures, between 15-25°C. At low temperatures, chemical reactions within cells slow down, and internal resistance increases. This translates to:
- Reduced range by 20-40% at temperatures below 0°C
- Diminished acceleration capability
- Reduced regenerative braking capacity
- Increased risk of damage during fast charging
Warming the battery while the car is connected to the grid brings the cells to the optimal operating temperature without drawing from the energy reserve intended for driving.
Propulsion system efficiency
Although the electric motor does not require warming up for lubrication, the power electronics (inverters, controllers) and the transmission operate more efficiently at moderate temperatures. A warm battery can deliver current more stably, and the energy management system can optimize consumption better.
How to correctly warm up your electric car
Use an external power source
Regula aurea: always warm up the car while it is plugged in at the charging station. Most modern EVs allow this via programmed climate control or remote start via a mobile app.
Correct procedure:
- Leave the car plugged in overnight
- Schedule the climate control to start 15-30 minutes before departure
- The battery will be fully charged, and the cabin will be warm
- Unplug and drive with maximum range
The type of charger matters
To support both charging and climate control simultaneously, you need sufficient power:
- Level 2 charger (230V, 7-22 kW): ideal for preconditioning. Can support full climate control and charge the battery at the same time.
- Standard outlet (230V, 2.3 kW): insufficient for both operations. Climate control will draw partial from the battery, but you will still save energy compared to warming up after unplugging.
- DC fast charger: not designed for prolonged preheating, intended for fast charging while on the move.
Smart thermal management features
Modern electric vehicle models feature sophisticated thermal management systems:
- Automatic preconditioning: The car detects low temperature and starts heating the battery before departure
- App-based scheduling: You can set the exact departure time, and the car prepares automatically
- Route-based preheating: If you enter the destination in the GPS, the system can prepare the battery for optimal charging conditions
Impact of temperature on various components
Traction battery
At -10°C, a cold battery can lose up to 40% of usable capacity. This does not mean the battery is damaged — it’s a temporary limitation. Li-ion cells have increased internal resistance in the cold, which limits the current they can supply or absorb.
Warming up brings the battery to 15-20°C, the temperature at which:
- Internal resistance is minimized
- Available power is maximum
- Regenerative braking works optimally
- Fast charging is safe and efficient
Climate control system
The heat pump (present in newer models) works efficiently down to -5°C. Below this temperature, many vehicles automatically switch to resistive heating, which consumes more energy. Warming up reduces the time needed to reach a comfortable cabin temperature.
Tires and suspension
Although not specific to electric cars, tire rubber stiffens in the cold, reducing grip and increasing consumption. Suspensions with rubber or polyurethane components can be stiffer in the morning. A few minutes of light driving resolves these issues.
Strategies to maximize range in cold weather
Plan smart charging
- Charge the car fully in the evening when you have time
- Schedule climate control for the morning
- If you have time-of-use tariffs, take advantage of cheaper nighttime energy
Use Eco mode
Most electric cars offer driving modes that limit climate control power and motor output to extend range. For short urban trips, these modes are sufficient.
Seat and steering wheel heating
This is far more energy-efficient than heating the entire cabin. A heated seat consumes 50-100 W, versus 3-5 kW for climate control. The combination of a warm seat and a cooler cabin can nearly double range in cold weather.
Electric cars do not require daily ‘break-in’
Unlike combustion engines, which benefit from a short idle period to distribute oil, electric motors are ready to operate instantly. There are no components that require progressive lubrication or reaching operating temperature.
This means, from a mechanical standpoint, you can start immediately and drive normally. However, for maximum range and comfort, warming up remains recommended.
Evolution of battery technology
Manufacturers are investing heavily in improving cold-weather performance:
- Batteries LFP (lithium iron phosphate): more thermally stable, but also more sensitive to cold
- High-nickel batteries: higher energy density, better cold performance
- Advanced thermal management systems: active heating and cooling of the battery pack
- Solid-state electrolyte batteries (near future): will remove many current limitations
Investment in charging infrastructure
If you own or plan to buy an electric vehicle, investing in a wallbox of 7 kW or more is essential. The cost of 2000-4000 lei pays off quickly through:
- Full preconditioning
- Overnight fast charging
- Maximum range every morning
- Reduced need for public charging
The future of electric mobility in Romania
Charging infrastructure is developing rapidly. In 2024, Romania had over 2,000 public charging stations, up 40% from the previous year. Plans include:
- Rapid charging stations every 60 km on highways
- Wall boxes mandatory in new buildings
- Subsidies for home charging installations
- Network expansion in rural areas
The range of new vehicles already exceeds 400-500 km in real-world conditions, and models launching in 2024-2025 promise 600-700 km. Range anxiety is rapidly becoming a relic of the past.
Conclusion
Although the electric motor does not require warming up for mechanical reasons, there are clear benefits to preparing the vehicle before departure:
- Maximum cabin comfort
- Range increase of up to 20-30% in cold weather
- Optimal battery performance
- Possibility of rapid charging without stressing the battery
The key is to use grid energy while the car is plugged in, thereby saving battery energy for driving. With minimal planning and the smart features of the vehicle, you can achieve excellent performance even on the coldest days of winter.
Electric cars represent the future of mobility — quieter, less polluting, with lower maintenance costs. A correct understanding of how to use them, including warming up in cold weather, helps you maximize the benefits of this technology.
