Blog

Keeping Your Electric Car Running This Winter 

Cold weather can be a serious headache no matter what vehicle you’re driving, but when you drive an electric vehicle there’s more that you need to consider than just putting on your snow tires and driving more carefully. Electric vehicles tend to be more sensitive to extreme temperatures when compared to traditional vehicles due to the way that the cold impacts the chemical reaction within the battery. With that in mind, here are a few tips to ensure that your EV is ready to conquer the cold.

One major difference between EV’s and gas-powered vehicles comes down to how they are heated. Gas vehicles use the waste heat produced by the engine while it is running to heat the interior. On the other hand, EV’s require a separate heating unit powered by the battery to keep you warm. The result is that by using your heat you will drain the battery faster, something that you need to take into account when planning your winter excursions.

A good way to prepare your car before you head out is by preconditioning it. Preconditioning is available on most new EVs and lets you warm up both the battery and the cabin of your EV while keeping it plugged into your charging station, letting you preserve battery life before you head out. In general, you’re going to want to keep your vehicle stored in a warm place during the winter, as colder temperatures will reduce your battery life before you ever leave your driveway.

Finally, one thing that EV’s have in common with traditional vehicles is the importance of keeping your tires properly inflated. This will help reduce the amount of overall friction between your car and the road, which in turn will reduce the amount of power required to get your EV moving, and the subsequent strain on your battery. In addition, nitrogen-filled tires, while more resistant to temperature changes, can still be impacted by them. So be sure to keep an eye on their pressure levels too.

Taking these tips to heart will help you keep your electric car running this winter and remember everyone; drive safe this winter. -- Your friends @ Ontario Hyundai

Want to learn more about EV's?

 

Keeping Your Electric Car Running This Winter