Tips for Driving an EV in Cold Weather
Tips for Driving an EV in Cold Weather
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We hate to break the news to everyone, but winter is coming to us here in Ohio, and with that comes all of the cold weather that our vehicles don't often enjoy. They're a lot like us in that way, which is why we want to do everything we can to give you the tips you need to allow your EV to succeed during these months. This could especially be important for anyone who just bought an electric car or if you are considering buying one soon. The more information you have under your belt, the easier decisions become. Today, we are going to go through some top tips for EV drivers in cold weather in hopes that we can ensure that you run into fewer issues along the way and perhaps even come out more prepared than ever before. At Junction Auto Sales, we have a reliable service department that can help you further!
Charge smart
One of the most important things you can do to combat the cold with your EV is to be smart about how you charge it. This means focusing less on quick charging options, like DC Fast Charging, and opting instead to charge your vehicle. This is because your lithium-ion battery responds better to slow charging during cold weather than to something that immediately fills it up to 80%. That type of charging could damage your car's battery, and we know that everyone wants to avoid that kind of problem. We also recommend not to try and charge your vehicle during the day but to wait so that when the temperatures drop overnight, your vehicle is still being charged consistently.
Preheat
This is the kind of tip that benefits everyone, not just electric vehicle owners. Before you head out into cold weather, we recommend starting your EV thirty minutes before you leave. We recommend leaving your car plugged in during this time period, too. The point is to warm the battery up as much as possible so it is better able to keep up a charge. This will also maximize the driving range! Many electric vehicles have an app where you can use a precondition command or even a pre-set schedule, so it's easier than having to go out like you would with a regular gasoline vehicle.
Use a garage
For many people, this isn't an option, and we totally understand! But for people who do own a garage, it is more important than ever to try and keep your car's battery at a consistent, warm temperature. The warmer it is kept, the better it will be able to perform throughout all of these colder months. We recommend this no matter where you go, as it limits the exposure to the frigid temperatures that outside areas will bring you and your vehicle.
Check tires
All vehicles should have their tires consistently checked during cold weather. That's because with every 10-degree dip in ambient temperature, your tire pressure can end up decreasing by about one pound per square inch. The colder it gets outside, the lower the PSI will become in your tires. Electric vehicles need consistent PSI in order to perform the best they can when it comes to driving range. Don't let your tires be the cause of any kind of low mileage!
Schedule Service at Junction Auto Sales
Are you trying to get your EV ready for winter and cold weather? We know that there are many steps we all take to prepare, and here at Junction Auto Sales, we have reliable technicians who can assist you even further. If there is anything we can do to assist you in this process, we would love to help.
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