What to know about driving PHEVs in the Canadian winter

By Mario Cywinski

Stereotypes and misconceptions are everywhere in society these days. While some can be rooted in facts, others are just opinions or something that may have been true in the past but is not now.

One of those misconceptions is that plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) have little EV range and are basically internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles much of the time. It’s true that early PHEVs were glorified hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) that could only drive without using the gasoline engine for short periods (some as low as 10 kilometres).

Today, the range of many PHEVs is 40km or more. The Outlander PHEV, for example has a batter range of 61km. For many, that is more than enough to drive around town, go to and from work, get the kids to school, and do any number of errands. All the while, not using a drop of gasoline.

It’s cold outside

Some may say, “well how is range affected by cold weather?” Obviously, when you are using the car’s heater, seat warmers, steering wheel warmer, defroster, and more, you will be using more power from the battery system. However, going back to the misconceptions, while earlier PHEVs would have their range greatly reduced, today, the drop off is much less than it was in the past. Also, remember that when the weather is warm, you may be using the A/C system, seat ventilation, and any number of vehicle features that also use power. Therefore, the drop off in range may not be particularly noticeable.

Stay warm without idling

A big benefit of a PHEV (or an EV) is that when it is cold outside, and you are parked, waiting in the vehicle, you do not have to turn off the vehicle. Many places now have anti-idling laws; however, as the PHEV can be in EV mode when it is parked, you are not using the gasoline engine, and hence not idling and creating a cloud of emissions from the tail pipe.

While doing this may reduce your EV range slightly, when you are waiting to pick up your partner or child, you can stay toasty in the comfort of the driver’s seat.

Reduced costs

Gasoline prices tend to increase in the winter months (as refineries switch over to a winter blend with higher Reid Vapor Pressure). The winter blend is usually not as fuel friendly as the summer blend and hence if you are driving an ICE only vehicle, your fuel costs in the colder months will increase, while your fuel economy will decrease.

PHEVs help with this issue, and many owners don’t notice much of a difference in their electricity costs. Since PHEVs have small batteries in comparison to pure EVs, most people will not see a spike in their electricity usage. As an added benefit, most PHEVs can be charged at home with a Level 1 charger (using a regular 110-volt power outlet), or by having your home fitted with a Level 2 charger (a 220-volt dryer or stove outlet) for much-faster charging.

Either way, if you are driving shorter distances daily, and have your vehicle plugged in while parked at home, you will have enough charge to be able to drive around town and keep toasty while doing so. Without needing to fill up at higher prices.

PHEVs & cold weather driving: other things to keep in mind

As PHEVs have internal combustion engines, once the battery is depleted, they function as a HEVs and often have better fuel economy than ICE (non-HEV) counterparts. PHEVs also provide greater power than their ICE-only counterparts, as they have the gas engine, plus an electric motor providing power.

Also with a PHEV, range anxiety is not a worry as it is with EVs. For those who are going on a longer drive in a PHEV, either to visit relatives, go to the cottage, or drive to a vacation destination, once the battery is depleted, the ICE kicks in and allows for driving a longer period (many have the same range as non-hybrid ICE vehicles).

While most PHEV owners will try to use it as much as possible in EV mode, there are options to go into various modes such as Tarmac Mode in the Outlander PHEV to use the gas engine more and provide more power.

You might also like

Electrification

Electric Vehicle (EV) Warranties: Everything You N...

Learn about electric vehicle warranties, what they cover, how they differ from ICE car warranties, and key factors to consider when buying an EV.

03 Oct 2025 7 minutes

Electrification

Electric Vehicle Environmental Impacts Explained:...

Are electric cars (EVs) really better for the environment? Learn facts about electric cars that explain true benefits & potential downsides.

03 Oct 2025 9 minutes

Electrification

Don’t Let EV Range Anxiety Slow Down Your Electric...

Worried about range anxiety? Discover how Mitsubishi Motors' EV technology and expanding charging network make going electric easier than ever.

03 Oct 2025 7 minutes