The moment winter arrives, electric vehicle potential owners start worrying that the cold weather will start affecting the range of their electric vehicles. Cold weather can reduce range because batteries are at the best between 60 – 80 degrees Fahrenheit. When the temperature falls below 40 degrees, the current of the battery slows down, followed by a battery producing less current. The great update is, with the help of new technologies in the latest EVs, you’ll be able to use your electric vehicle wherever you want even if the mercury drops below freezing point. No matter how cold it gets, EV owners and drivers don’t have to bother about the range of their cars and you can go in your EV.
Here are the top tips for driving EV in the winter season
1. Watch how you drive
This is one of the factors which affects your mileage range. Be nice to your EV battery because excessive acceleration or driving at high speed or continuous braking can drain battery life. Avoid running your battery super low or fast charging. To take full advantage of battery efficiency and longevity, try to stay between 20 and 80 percent charge.
2. Tire pressure check
You can save 15%-18% of your average range if you make a habit of checking your tire pressure every month especially when the outside temperature keeps changing with the seasons. Tyre pressure drops if the surrounding temperature falls, which leads to greater rolling resistance and reduced mileage range.
3. Use heated seats and steering wheels
Try to reduce the use of cabin heating. Use heated steering wheels and heated seats rather than using cabin heaters to protect you from cold. It will use less power from the battery. Heated seats and steering wheels are more effective because they will give you warm feeling directly to your body and use less energy compared to the heater, so using them won’t impact your EV range. This is very useful on short trips.
4. Keep your winter wear on in the car
You should dress warmly in the car so that it will save you time and your coat will be warm when you go out. Try to carry hot beverages to make you warm throughout your journey.
5. Indoor parking facility
Park your car under the roof so that the battery does not become super chilled. The super-cold battery does not perform well. Park it where direct sunlight comes during the day and you get a warmer battery.
In this blog, we have given few tips on how to maintain your electric vehicle properly during winter. You can make your car winter-proof as well, which will make sure you drive safely. EV Port is always there for any kind of electric vehicle assistance.