With the winter months upon us, electric vehicle owners are undoubtedly concerned about how the cold weather may affect their car's battery and performance. As with any vehicle, there are certain precautions and maintenance measures that electric vehicle owners should take to ensure their vehicle is in the best possible condition for the winter. In this post, we will look at the top 5 things you need to know about owning an electric vehicle in the winter.
1. Practice Good Battery Maintenance
One of the most important things to keep in mind during the winter months is battery maintenance. Cold weather reduces battery performance, therefore, it is imperative to ensure your battery is in tip-top shape before the winter sets in. We recommend ensuring your battery is charged between 80% and 20% throughout the winter months just like the rest of the year. It may be a good idea to try to keep the battery above 50% because you might not get the same distance out of a charge in colder weather. It is also a good idea to check your battery's coolant level, and top up if necessary, to ensure it is working at its optimal level.
2. Pre-heat the Battery for Charging
Another key measure you can take to ensure your electric vehicle is ready for the winter is to preheat your battery before charging. This not only helps to prolong the life of the battery but also optimizes the charging process, ensuring that your vehicle will have maximum range when you need it. Most electric vehicles come with a pre-heating feature that can be controlled through your smartphone or other integrated devices.
3. Be Prepared for Reductions in Mileage During Cold Weather
Keep in mind that, just like combustion engines, electric vehicles also experience reduced performance in winter months. Therefore, it's vital to manage your vehicle's range expectation. You can help mitigate this by ensuring your tires are fully inflated before the cold weather sets in, which can make commuting less stressful. It's also a good idea to check your vehicle's tire pressure regularly, as cold weather can cause the air in the tires to contract.
4. Deal with the Snow
Taking care of your electric vehicle in the winter months also means accounting for snow. Snow can negatively impact your car's performance and design, so it is crucial to keep your charging port free of snow and ice accumulation, as well as your backup camera lens to ensure maximum safety when driving. Some other Winter accessories could be added to your list such as winter tires with deeper treads to increase grip on icy roads.
5. Stay Prepared
One of the most critical steps to take before winter is to have a plan. As an electric vehicle owner, you will run into situations that require you to take specific actions beyond conventional vehicles. Like all things in life, keeping yourself informed and prepared can save you from unnecessary trouble and expense.
Owning an electric vehicle in winter may seem like a challenge at first, but if you take the necessary measures to keep your vehicle in the best possible shape, it isn't really any more challenging than owning any other type of vehicle. By keeping your battery charged, pre-heating your battery for charging, expecting reduced mileage, maintaining a snow-free charging port, and preparing yourself, you can ensure you enjoy smooth commutes no matter the winter weather.
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