Top 5 tips to extend your EV's range in winters
What's the story
In the winter season, you might witness a decline in your electric vehicle (EV)'s range and performance.
This happens because the ions move slower through battery cells in the cold.
However, there are a number of tricks you can use to maximize your EV's efficiency in the cold months. Let us have a look.
Tip #1
Parking in a garage
The first tip to maximize an EV's range in winter is to park the vehicle in a garage whenever possible.
The warmth of a garage can help keep the battery charge for longer periods and allow for faster charging.
If you don't have a garage at home, it's advisable to go for parking garages when out and about.
Tip #2
Preheating your EV's battery
Preheating the car's battery is another effective strategy to boost an EV's performance in winter.
Most electric vehicles provide an option to set a time for warming up their cars before leaving. This preheats the battery as well as warms up the cabin.
To avoid draining the battery in this process, it is recommended to keep the vehicle plugged in while warming it up.
Tip #3
Maintaining optimal battery charge
In freezing conditions, an EV's battery management system reserves some 15-20% of the battery capacity to heat the battery.
To ensure maximum efficiency, it's best to keep the charging range between 20-80% and plan for more frequent charges.
Allowing a 20% variance in available range can also provide a safety buffer against unexpected power drains.
Tip #4
Strategic heating can conserve power
Overusing the heater can drastically cut down an EV's range in cold weather.
To save power, it's recommended to restrict heating to just the driver's side when driving alone or use seat heaters if available.
This method is more energy-efficient than heating the whole car and can help keep a longer range during winter months.
Tip #5
Proper tire maintenance
Tire pressure decreases as the air inside them contracts with falling temperatures.
Regularly checking and maintaining proper tire pressure can help maximize an EV's range during winter.
Further, using snow tires in snowy regions and being gentle on the accelerator and brake in adverse weather conditions can further enhance efficiency.