A frontal view of a gray Volkswagen SUV driving along a snowy mountain road, flanked by snow-covered hills and pine trees

Winter-ready performance: Everything you need to know

It’s no myth that harsh winter weather can reduce EV range, but there are plenty of ways to prepare your EV for everyone’s least favourite driving season.

Easy ways to maximize your EV range in winter

  • "B" mode icon

    Drive in ‘B’ mode to activate regenerative braking

  • Speedometer icon

    Drive at a moderate speed to use less energy

  • Snowflake icon

    Brush your vehicle thoroughly if covered in snow

  • EV charging station icon

    Keep your EV plugged in at home

  • Battery time icon

    Warm up your car while plugged in before departing home

  • Garage icon

    Find a cozy spot to park indoors when you can

  • Windshield defrost icon

    Turn off the heater when charging

  • Heated seats icon

    Use the heated seats and steering wheel as the main source of heat

  • Wheel icon

    Make sure your tires are at the proper pressure

All about that All-Wheel Drive 

Available All-Wheel Drive handles tough terrain with winter ready traction and confidence. An additional motor in the front of the vehicle works in tandem with the rear motor full-time to give you more power and control.

A gray Volkswagen car driving on a snowy road. Rolling hills and snow-covered trees are visible in the background
How are EVs in cold weather? I come skiing every weekend in winter and I can tell you it’s a great drive up the mountain, and the car heats up super quick.
Laura
ID.4 owner
A woman is standing near the bright blue Volkswagen SUV, which is parked on a gravel path with snow and pine trees in the background

Warm up to these Winter ready EV features

A grey Volkswagen SUV is stationed near a wooden log on a snow-covered road, while two individuals stand nearby against a backdrop of rolling hills and lush trees
A man sits behind the steering wheel of a Volkswagen, glancing backward, with snowy hills adorned with pine trees in the background
A man sits behind the steering wheel of a Volkswagen, glancing backward, with snowy hills adorned with pine trees in the background

Keep warm
Heated steering wheel and heated front seats keep your ride toasty

The cleaners clear the snowy windshield of a Volkswagen SUV while a woman sits inside
The cleaners clear the snowy windshield of a Volkswagen SUV while a woman sits inside

Stay clear 
A heated windshield and heated mirrors help stop frost and condensation from blocking your view

A close-up of the front end of the Volkswagen covered in light snow, parked next to a snowy terrain with mountains in the background
A close-up of the front end of the Volkswagen covered in light snow, parked next to a snowy terrain with mountains in the background

Get even more range in the cold
An available Heat Pump helps ensure energy-efficient interior heating that requires less battery power.

EV batteries get the cold treatment

Down in our engineering lab in Chattanooga, Tennessee, our hot lithium-ion EV batteries are put through the winter ringer to help ensure they’re ready to perform in freezing cold conditions. These tests include placing each EV battery in:

  • A 2,113-gallon immersion tank of freezing cold water
  • A drive-in temperature chamber set to -80°C
  • A thermal-shock chamber set to intervals of 70°C and -40°C
A frosty Volkswagen ID.4 with headlights on in a freezing cold bunker
A bright red Volkswagen SUV is parked in front of a wooden house with a snow-covered roof

Still got cold feet?

If you’re not yet convinced that EVs can handle Canadian winters, just look at Norway, Iceland, and Sweden – 3 just-as-cold countries that are among the top 6 in EV adoption. 

© Volkswagen Canada 2024

Disclaimers by Volkswagen

† Prices shown are MSRP where indicated. MSRP is the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price and excludes taxes, freight and PDI ($1,950 (Jetta, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI and Golf R), $2,100 (Tiguan, Taos, ID.4), $2,150 (Cross Sport, Atlas) and $2,500 (ID. Buzz), levies, fees, optional equipment, license, insurance, registration, and any dealer or other charges (where applicable). If MSRP is not mentioned, prices shown include freight and PDI, environmental levies, and a $500 representative dealer admin fee (actual fee amount is set by dealers and varies, up to $500). Dealer Administration Fee includes documentation and administration costs related to the delivery of the vehicle, such as the dealer cost involved in licensing, lien search, and contract administration. Environmental or related levies and taxes may vary by jurisdiction. Dealer may sell for less. Prices are in Canadian dollars. This is not an offer to sell at a certain price. Actual selling prices and terms are set by dealers. European or American models may be shown. Specifications, equipment, options, and prices are subject to change without notice. Although we endeavour to ensure that the information contained on the website is accurate, as errors may occur from time to time, customers should contact their local Volkswagen dealer for details. Photos for illustration purposes only.  Model specifications provided may vary based on selected trim, options, and installed accessories.
**Limited time finance offer available through Volkswagen Financial Services, on approved credit, based on a new and unregistered 2024 Taos 1.5T Comfortline base model with 7-speed automatic DSG® with Tiptronic® 4MOTION® transmission having a starting price of $35,799.00, including $68 PPSA registration fee (including third-party registering agent fee), $2,100 freight and PDI, $100 air conditioning levy, $23 tire recycling levy, $13 OMVIC fee, and $500 representative dealer admin fee (actual fee is set by dealers and varies, up to $500), and included in weekly payment. Dealer Administration Fee includes documentation and administration costs related to the delivery of the vehicle, such as the dealer cost involved in licensing, lien search, and contract administration. Finance example: 60-month term at 1.99% APR equals a weekly payment of $145, after application of $1,000 credit. $0 down payment or equivalent trade-in due at signing. In Ontario, Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. is responsible for the tire recycling fee used to cover the cost of collecting and recycling end of life tires when returned by consumers. License, insurance, registration, options and applicable taxes are extra. Cost of borrowing is $1,818 for a total obligation of $37,617. Dealer may sell for less. Dealer order/trade may be necessary (but may not be available in all cases). Conditions apply. Offers end December 2, 2024 and are subject to change or cancellation without notice. 31$1,000 credit available to be applied as a discount off MSRP, before taxes, with cash purchase, finance purchase or lease (through Volkswagen Financial Services on approved credit) of new and unregistered 2024 Taos models. Conditions apply. Dealer may sell for less. Dealer order/trade may be necessary (but may not be available in all cases).Conditions apply. Offers end December 2, 2024 and are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Visit vwoffers.ca or your Volkswagen dealer for details. “Volkswagen,” the Volkswagen logo, all model names and trimline names are registered trademarks or trademarks of Volkswagen AG, used under license. © 2024 Volkswagen Canada.
****Limited time finance offer available through Volkswagen Financial Services, on approved credit, based on a new and unregistered 2024 Atlas 2.0T Execline base model with 8-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic® 4MOTION® transmission having a starting price of $62,349.00, including $68 PPSA registration fee (including third-party registering agent fee), $2,150 freight and PDI, $100 air conditioning levy, $23 tire recycling levy, $13 OMVIC fee, and $500 representative dealer admin fee (actual fee is set by dealers and varies, up to $500), and included in weekly payment. Dealer Administration Fee includes documentation and administration costs related to the delivery of the vehicle, such as the dealer cost involved in licensing, lien search, and contract administration. Finance example: 60-month term at 1.99% APR equals a weekly payment of $252, after application of $1,000 credit. $0 down payment or equivalent trade-in due at signing. In Ontario, Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. is responsible for the tire recycling fee used to cover the cost of collecting and recycling end of life tires when returned by consumers. License, insurance, registration, options and applicable taxes are extra. Cost of borrowing is $3,166 for a total obligation of $65,515. Dealer may sell for less. Dealer order/trade may be necessary (but may not be available in all cases). Conditions apply. Offers end December 2, 2024 and are subject to change or cancellation without notice. 33$1,000 credit available to be applied as a discount off MSRP, before taxes, with cash purchase, finance purchase or lease (through Volkswagen Financial Services on approved credit) of new and unregistered 2024 Atlas models. Conditions apply. Dealer may sell for less. Dealer order/trade may be necessary (but may not be available in all cases).Conditions apply. Offers end December 2, 2024 and are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Visit vwoffers.ca or your Volkswagen dealer for details. “Volkswagen,” the Volkswagen logo, all model names and trimline names are registered trademarks or trademarks of Volkswagen AG, used under license. © 2024 Volkswagen Canada.
^^^^Limited time lease offer available through Volkswagen Financial Services, on approved credit, based on a new and unregistered 2025 Jetta 1.5T Highline base model with 8-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic® transmission having a starting price of $34,849.00, including $68 PPSA registration fee (including third-party registering agent fee), $1,950 freight and PDI, $100 air conditioning levy, $23 tire recycling levy, $13 OMVIC fee, and $500 representative dealer admin fee (actual fee is set by dealers and varies, up to $500), and included in weekly payment. Dealer Administration Fee includes documentation and administration costs related to the delivery of the vehicle, such as the dealer cost involved in licensing, lien search, and contract administration. In Ontario, Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. is responsible for the tire recycling fee used to cover the cost of collecting and recycling end of life tires when returned by consumers. Dealer may sell for less. Dealer order/trade may be necessary (but may not be available in all cases). Conditions apply. Lease example: 48-month term at 5.99% APR equals a weekly payment of $119. $0 down payment or equivalent trade-in, $470 security deposit, and first weekly payment due at lease inception. License, insurance, registration, options and applicable taxes are extra. Total lease obligation: $24,642. Residual value is 51%. Annual 16,000 kilometre allowance; charge of $0.15/km per excess kilometre. Offers end December 2, 2024 and are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Visit vwoffers.ca or your Volkswagen dealer for details. “Volkswagen,” the Volkswagen logo, all model names and trimline names are registered trademarks or trademarks of Volkswagen AG, used under license. © 2024 Volkswagen Canada.
***Limited time finance offer available through Volkswagen Financial Services, on approved credit, based on a new and unregistered 2024 Tiguan 2.0T Highline base model with 8-speed automatic with Tiptronic® 4MOTION® transmission having a starting price of $48,299.00, including $68 PPSA registration fee (including third-party registering agent fee), $2,100 freight and PDI, $100 air conditioning levy, $23 tire recycling levy, $13 OMVIC fee, and $500 representative dealer admin fee (actual fee is set by dealers and varies, up to $500), and included in weekly payment. Dealer Administration Fee includes documentation and administration costs related to the delivery of the vehicle, such as the dealer cost involved in licensing, lien search, and contract administration. Finance example: 60-month term at 4.99% APR equals a weekly payment of $210. $0 down payment or equivalent trade-in due at signing. In Ontario, Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. is responsible for the tire recycling fee used to cover the cost of collecting and recycling end of life tires when returned by consumers. License, insurance, registration, options and applicable taxes are extra. Cost of borrowing is $6,299 for a total obligation of $54,598. Dealer may sell for less. Dealer order/trade may be necessary (but may not be available in all cases). Conditions apply. Offers end December 2, 2024 and are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Visit vwoffers.ca or your Volkswagen dealer for details. “Volkswagen,” the Volkswagen logo, all model names and trimline names are registered trademarks or trademarks of Volkswagen AG, used under license. © 2024 Volkswagen Canada.
12Limited time finance offer available through Volkswagen Financial Services, on approved credit, based on a new and unregistered 2024 Golf R 2.0 T base model with 6-speed manual 4MOTION® transmission having a starting price of $50,849.00, including $68 PPSA registration fee (including third-party registering agent fee), $1,950 freight and PDI, $100 air conditioning levy, $23 tire recycling levy, $13 OMVIC fee, and $500 representative dealer admin fee (actual fee is set by dealers and varies, up to $500), and included in weekly payment. Dealer Administration Fee includes documentation and administration costs related to the delivery of the vehicle, such as the dealer cost involved in licensing, lien search, and contract administration. Finance example: 60-month term at 2.99% APR equals a weekly payment of $211, after application of $1,000 credit. $0 down payment or equivalent trade-in due at signing. In Ontario, Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. is responsible for the tire recycling fee used to cover the cost of collecting and recycling end of life tires when returned by consumers. License, insurance, registration, options and applicable taxes are extra. Cost of borrowing is $3,911 for a total obligation of $54,760. Dealer may sell for less. Dealer order/trade may be necessary (but may not be available in all cases). Conditions apply. Offers end December 2, 2024 and are subject to change or cancellation without notice. 13$1,000 credit available to be applied as a discount off MSRP, before taxes, with cash purchase, finance purchase or lease (through Volkswagen Financial Services on approved credit) of new and unregistered 2024 Golf R models. Conditions apply. Dealer may sell for less. Dealer order/trade may be necessary (but may not be available in all cases). Conditions apply. Offers end December 2, 2024 and are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Visit vwoffers.ca or your Volkswagen dealer for details. “Volkswagen,” the Volkswagen logo, all model names and trimline names are registered trademarks or trademarks of Volkswagen AG, used under license. © 2024 Volkswagen Canada.
⁑ Loyalty offer available to current Volkswagen owners and previous Volkswagen owners who returned a leased vehicle, or whose finance contract with Volkswagen Financial Services ended, within the past 90 days (some exceptions apply), with purchase or lease of a new, unregistered Volkswagen model, excluding ID.4 models. 2 yr VW Prepaid Maintenance Plan provided at no additional cost. If customer purchases longer maintenance, offer will cover the first 2 years / 30,000 km at the value indicated and customer will pay the balance. Plan covers regular maintenance appointments (for services recommended by VW) within 2 years or 30,000 km (whichever occurs first). Visit https://www.vw.ca/en/shopping-tools/prepaid-maintenance.html or your Volkswagen dealer for more details. Valid identification and proof of valid loan/lease for/of Volkswagen that was: (i) active for a minimum of 90 days; (ii) in good standing throughout the term; and (iii) that ended within the 90 days prior to the expiry of this offer, are required. Volkswagen vehicles currently being financed/leased with Volkswagen Financial Services are not eligible for the rate reduction. Offer is transferable to an immediate family member living in the same household as the Primary/Co-Primary buyer or lessee. Offer is non-exchangeable for cash. Offer ends January 2, 2025 and is subject to change or cancellation without notice.
◊◊Amount shown is the maximum incentive provided by the applicable governments. VW does not administer these incentives. BC offers an incentive of up to $4,000 based on income. Amounts and eligibility are subject to change. Incentive information is provided for informational purposes only and VW makes no representations about the actual amount or eligibility for the incentive. See the provincial or federal administrator for details.
22Limited time finance offer available through Volkswagen Financial Services, on approved credit, based on a new and unregistered 2024 Golf GTI 2.0T base model in Kings Red Metallic (for an additional $495) with 7-speed automatic DSG® with Tiptronic® transmission having a starting price of $37,944.00, including $68 PPSA registration fee (including third-party registering agent fee), $1,950 freight and PDI, $100 air conditioning levy, $23 tire recycling levy, $13 OMVIC fee, and $500 representative dealer admin fee (actual fee is set by dealers and varies, up to $500), and included in weekly payment. Dealer Administration Fee includes documentation and administration costs related to the delivery of the vehicle, such as the dealer cost involved in licensing, lien search, and contract administration. Finance example: 60-month term at 3.49% APR equals a weekly payment of $158. $0 down payment or equivalent trade-in due at signing. In Ontario, Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. is responsible for the tire recycling fee used to cover the cost of collecting and recycling end of life tires when returned by consumers. License, insurance, registration, options and applicable taxes are extra. Cost of borrowing is $3,375 for a total obligation of $40,824. Dealer may sell for less. Dealer order/trade may be necessary (but may not be available in all cases). Conditions apply. Offers end December 2, 2024 and are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Visit vwoffers.ca or your Volkswagen dealer for details. “Volkswagen,” the Volkswagen logo, all model names and trimline names are registered trademarks or trademarks of Volkswagen AG, used under license. © 2024 Volkswagen Canada.