The wintertime decrease in the driving range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is partially attributed to cabin heating with improper setpoints. The widespread adoption of sustainable BEVs therefore necessitates the management of occupant thermal comfort alongside reduced energy consumption. We investigate the effects of three distinct warming modes on thermal perception within BEVs operating under typical winter conditions: heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) alone, HVAC with continuous lower-body local radiant warming (LRW), and HVAC with periodic lower-body LRW. Our findings show that human thermal perception is notably distinct as our overall state transitions from “uncomfortable cold” to “preferred warm” when local warming is applied to the lower body. The combination of local warming with cabin HVAC systems leads to significant improvements in occupant comfort; however, it does not elicit a significant addition to overall comfort until the whole-body state approaches the “neutral” sensation. Periodic local warmth to the lower body also improves comfort levels in the same fashion. In addition, we present a personal comfort control strategy involving lower HVAC setpoints and corrective operations of lower-body LRW. These findings hold potential to improve and maintain the thermal comfort of BEV occupants during the winter while optimizing energy usage.