Using Your Electric Vehicle In Winter
Electric Car Winter Tips
Using an electric car in the winter can present some challenges, but with a few simple steps, you can ensure that your electric car is ready for the colder months.
- Check your battery range: Cold temperatures can affect the performance of your electric car's battery, so it's important to check the battery's state of charge before setting out on a trip. If the battery is low, make sure to charge it fully before heading out, and double check your range in a morning as it can sometimes change overnight if the temperature drops, and your range could reduce by 20 or 30 miles on a cold morning.
- Keep your car plugged in when defrosting: If you have a home charge point and if possible, keep your electric car plugged in while you defrost the windscreen and heat up the car ready for your journey. This way you will use the energy from your home rather than using the cars battery giving you more range. Most EV’s come with apps that allow you to operate the heating systems remotely from your mobile phone, you can also set up schedules to preheat the car before you set off on your usual commute.
- Most electric cars are known for having efficient heating systems, some have additional heat pumps fitted that makes the heating systems very efficient so you can take advantage of the seat and steering wheel heaters to stay warm and cosy. Monitor your range when using extra heating systems to see what effect it has on your cars range so you can plan your journeys better.
- Plan your route: Electric cars have a limited range, so it's important to plan your route in advance to ensure that you don't run out of power while on the road. Use a range estimator tool or app to determine the distance you can travel on a single charge and plan your route to see where the public charging stations are along your journey. Most rapid chargers can add over 100 miles of range in a little as 15-20 minutes, so time for a coffee and comfort break, and you will soon be on your way again.
- Check your tires: Check the tire pressure and make sure they are properly inflated. Colder temperatures can cause the air inside the tires to contract, which can reduce their effectiveness and make it harder to drive in the snow. Incorrect type pressure can also affect your range so make sure you check your tyre pressures weekly, so your EV is running as efficient as possible.
- Drive carefully and efficiently: Electric vehicles are quick off the mark, they have instant torque which makes them faster than a traditional petrol or diesel from a standing start and it can also be quite fun, but remember that excessive speed is not only dangerous, but it also uses more of your batteries power, so drive carefully and you will keep that range at its peak.
- Braking: Electric vehicles can also have different drive modes that you can choose, you always have the traditional D for drive button, but they could also have one named B! By selecting the B mode, the car uses the energy created when braking to recharge the battery, also know as regenerative braking. When the B mode is selected, it may feel like there is excessive force to slow you down when you take your foot off the accelerator, this is normal as it allows you to slow the vehicle down without using your brakes, sometimes called one foot driving. This also saves on wear and tear of your braking system making it more cost effective in the long run.
- Be prepared for an emergency: Keep an emergency kit in your car that includes a blanket, extra warm clothing, and a flashlight in case you get stranded. If your EV runs out of charge, it will stop and it will also mean you cannot use your heater to keep warm, so be prepared.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your electric car is ready for the winter and that you stay safe on the road.
