How to Get the Most Out of Your Electric Vehicle in the Winter
November 21 2022,
As the temperatures start to dip, many people begin to worry about how their electric vehicles will fare in the cold winter months. With a few simple tips and some advance planning, you can get the most out of your electric vehicle all winter long!
- Keep your battery charged
In colder weather, it's important to keep your battery charged as much as possible. The ideal charge level is between 50-75%. That way, you'll have enough power to heat the cabin and defrost the windshield, but you won't be using too much of your battery's power, which can reduce its range.
- Plan your routes
Before you head out for your daily commute or errands, take a few minutes to plan out your route. This will help you avoid getting stranded somewhere with a dead battery. Use an online map tool like Google Maps or Waze to find charging stations along your route, just in case you need to stop and recharge.
- Dress for success
When you're driving an electric vehicle, there's no need to blast the heat to stay warm. Instead, dress in layers so you can stay comfortable without using up too much battery power. A cabin temperature of 21°C is usually perfect because it's not too cold and uses less energy. That said, your car has many ways to warm you up if needed, which brings us to our other point.
- Use your heated seats and steering wheel sparingly
If your vehicle comes equipped with it, the heated seats and steering wheel are great features that can help keep you warm in the winter. They use less energy than the HVAC and can still keep you warm and toasty. Use them sparingly, though, as they can still drain your battery if used for extended periods of time.
Bonus Tip: Winterize your car
Just like any other vehicle, it's important to winterize your electric car to make sure it's ready for the colder weather. This includes things like checking your tires, making sure your windshield wipers are in good condition, and adding washer fluid that won't freeze in cold weather.
With a little bit of advance planning, you can enjoy all the benefits of driving an electric car even during the coldest winter months! By keeping your battery charged, planning your routes, dressing for success, and winterizing your car, you'll be able to get where you need to go all winter long without any worries.
