Range Rover Electric SUV winter test (Source: JLR)
Whether you're a seasoned EV driver in cold climates or this is your first winter driving an electric vehicle, there's always more to learn about how to get the best mileage and performance from your EV when the temperatures drop.
Electrek asked two experts for winter EV driving advice. This is what Richard Reina, director of product training at CARiD.com, and Casey Donahue, CEO of Optiwatt, a North American residential charging platform, said.
Park in a garage if possible. “It's always a good practice in the winter to park your EV in the garage. Even an unheated garage protects us from the cold. A temperature difference of even a few degrees means your EV's battery can hold its charge for longer. EV batteries lose some range with each drop in temperature.” – Richard Reina
Plan to go. “Travel planning gives you the time you need to prioritize your car and allows users to maximize range by allowing the battery enough time to charge. If you can, try to plan your trip to allow for advance booking and full payment. For example, our Optiwatt app can set a condition for your car if you tell it when you want to go.” – Casey Donahue
Condition before charging. “It is important to park your EV before charging it because of the negative effects a cold battery can have on the vehicle's performance. For example, a cold battery drains much faster than a conditioned one. If users want to increase the range, they should warm up their EV as they would a normal car. A cold battery can have a negative effect on regenerative braking, and resetting the battery allows the regenerative braking to kick in, increasing the vehicle's efficiency.” – Casey Donahue
Charge your EV according to plan. “A lot goes into getting the most out of the battery in your EV, including when you should charge it, how long you should charge it and so on. If you can charge at home, you should fully charge it overnight. EV batteries lose range in the cold, so starting the day with a full charge is smart and safe.” – Richard Reina
“It's also important to consider normal wear and tear on your car, so park it in a covered area if you can.” – Casey Donahue
[Editor’s note: It’s safe to assume you’re going to experience 30% range reduction in the winter, so plan trips with that in mind.]
Use Eco Mode and reduce the use of electrical features. “Eco Mode exists to maximize your battery's range by limiting power availability and power consumption. It increases the efficiency of your battery, and it works even in cold weather. While in Eco mode, other features of your car receive less power and therefore do not work at the same rate. For example, the acceleration force can be reduced. At the same time, consider reducing the use of certain electrical features. The EV's heating system should be lowered a few degrees. Together, these measures help save battery power.” – Richard Reina
[Editor’s note: Heated seats use less power than the heating system.]
Make preparations for winter. “In vehicles with a combustion engine, it has long been recommended that measures be taken to increase fuel economy. For example, unnecessary weight must be removed from the vehicle; tires should be properly inflated, rapid acceleration should be avoided, and cruise control should be used to maintain a steady speed. All of these tips apply equally to EVs. Almost all EVs have a range meter visible to the driver, so the driver can learn the speed and driving habits that result in the best driving range.” – Richard Reina
Be prepared to charge at public charging stations. “Public charging stations can get very crowded in winter, especially on long weekends and holidays. Plan your route in advance and try to find a large charging area with an adequate number of charging stations.” – Casey Donahue
Prepare for extreme weather. “If you're going on a long trip and/or dealing with a hurricane, be prepared. Before leaving, find EV charging stations along your route. Make sure your cell phone is fully charged and you have a phone charger or portable battery. Have warm clothes, blankets, water, non-perishable food and a small shovel in the EV, in case conditions turn bad and prevent you from continuing.” – Richard Reina
“In winter it is a good idea to be prepared for power outages, especially if you live in an area that is prone to power outages. Always check winter weather advisories and try to charge your car with a full battery before any severe weather.” – Casey Donahue
Here's a bonus tip, via Drive Electric Vermont: If you accelerate slowly, brake slowly, ease off the accelerator as you go up a hill, and wait for stoplights and slow down, it will help maximize the use of regen braking that restores power back. from the battery instead of wasting it with mechanical brakes.
Have any EV winter driving tips you want to share? Let us know in the comments below.
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