As the cold winds start to blow, signaling the approach of winter, it’s crucial for electric vehicle (EV) owners to prepare their cars for the chilly months ahead. A well-prepared EV can tackle the cold, ensuring a smooth, safe, and energy-efficient drive. Here’s how to winterize your electric vehicle to keep it performing optimally even when the mercury dips. Gone are the days of exchanging the antifreeze for the gas motor, which often spilled and negatively impacted the environment.
One of the most fundamental steps in winterizing your EV is to check your tires and ensure they are properly inflated. Tire pressure tends to fall by one PSI for every 10-degree ambient temperature drop, which is why it’s essential to check and adjust tire pressure during cold weather. Almost all EVs will tell the driver if a tire is underinflated, but knowing how to manually check is important in case the car isn’t reporting a problem.
Depending on the typical winter conditions in your area, you might want to consider investing in winter tires, which provide better grip on icy or snowy roads due to their additional grooves compared to summer tires. EVs often use special tires for less road noise so double check what the manufacture recommends to avoid having unwanted noise inside of the car.
Maintaining visibility is crucial for safe driving, ensuring that your windshield washer fluid is topped off is necessary. A fluid rated for low temperatures will prevent freezing on the windshield. Additionally, having a good ice scraper at hand is advisable to clear icy windshields. Plan ahead, the cold morning you need it is a bad time to start looking for your scrapper.. It’s a more energy-efficient alternative to running the defroster which uses more electricity, thus conserving the battery.
Speaking of conserving battery, minimizing the use of heating in your EV is a wise practice. Unlike traditional cars with internal combustion engines that generate heat as a byproduct of the engine running, electric vehicles use electricity to generate interior heat, which can significantly drain the battery. Wearing warm clothing, such as a parka, hat, and gloves, while driving can help keep you warm without the need to turn on the heating system.
Many modern electric vehicles come with heated seats and steering wheels. Utilizing these heated accessories instead of heating the entire car is a more energy-efficient way to stay warm. These features heat the surfaces you touch, making your drive comfortable without using too much energy.
Occasionally plugging in and preconditioning your EV is another excellent way to prepare it for winter drives. Preconditioning involves turning on the heat 30 minutes to an hour before driving. This process can be initiated via a smartphone app in most modern EVs, and it helps to maximize range as no additional energy is used from the battery to warm up the interior. This is particularly beneficial for those chilly morning drives.
Battery management is another crucial aspect of winterizing your EV. Allowing the battery to warm up while attached to the charger before heading out can extend battery life. Many electric cars feature a departure mode that lets you set an exact time when you want the vehicle ready to leave, making it convenient to have your car warmed up and ready to go.
Seeking shelter for your car can also aid in keeping the batteries reasonably warm and protect it from snow and wind. If possible, parking your car in a garage or another sheltered area is advisable. However, if a snowstorm hits while your car is parked outside, keeping snow from accumulated on the car as it can affect your car’s aerodynamics, further draining the battery and posing a danger to others if it flies off your car while driving.
Winterizing your electric vehicle is not just about ensuring a smooth drive but also about maximizing battery efficiency and ensuring safety. As winter rears its head, taking these steps can prepare your EV for the cold, ensuring you continue to enjoy the benefits of electric driving in a safe and efficient manner.
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