Winter can be a challenging season for electric car owners. Because cold temperatures affect the performance and range of EVs, preparing for the season is essential to ensure safe and comfortable driving without worrying too much about the battery life.
With the help of these tips and the right charging cables, enjoyable driving all year round is within reach.
Park in a garage or a sheltered place
Parking your electric car in a garage or a sheltered place can help you protect it from the elements and keep it warm. This can reduce the need for preheating and prevent the battery from losing too much charge overnight. If you don’t have access to a garage or a sheltered place, you can use a car cover or a windshield cover to minimize the snow and ice buildup.
Preheat your car before driving
If you can’t protect your car from the elements, most electric cars thankfully have the option to preheat the cabin and the battery using electricity from the grid. This can help you save battery power and increase your comfort level.
Plan your journey and charge frequently
Planning your journey can help you avoid unnecessary detours and delays, and optimize your route for the best efficiency and range. It will also help you locate available charging stations along your way, which is particularly important during the winter when your battery may not hold its charge as well as in warmer weather. You can even use a fast charger or a type 2 charger from EV Cable Shop to speed up the process.
Check your tires and inflate them regularly.
Tires are one of the most important components of your electric car, as they affect the traction, the handling and the efficiency of your vehicle. In winter, you should inflate your tires to the recommended pressure, as the tire pressure can drop by one pound per square inch (PSI) for every 10-degree Fahrenheit drop in temperature.
Use winter tires or all-season tires
If you want to go above and beyond, get yourself a set of winter tires. Winter tires are specially designed to provide better grip and performance on snowy and icy roads thanks to their deeper treads, softer rubber and more biting edges.
Keep your battery at an optimal level
The optimal level of charge for your electric car battery depends on various factors, such as the type of battery, the age of the battery and the ambient temperature. Generally, it is recommended to keep your battery between 20% and 80% of its capacity, as this can help you prolong its lifespan and avoid damage. However, in winter, you may want to keep your battery closer to 80% or even 100%, as this can help you prevent the battery from freezing and losing too much charge. During winter, you should always monitor your battery level and charge it accordingly.
These are just some of the ways to prepare your electric car for winter. By following these tips and selecting the right cable for your electric vehicle model, you can make driving in any weather a safe and comfortable experience.
These are just some of the ways to prepare your electric car for winter. By following these tips and selecting the right cable for your electric vehicle model from EV Cable Shop, you can make driving in any weather a safe and comfortable experience.