Electronic vehicles have gained popularity because of their excellent performance and no harmful emissions. But, does an EV perform consistently in extreme temperatures? Some EV car owners claim that cold weather affects their performance. On a frigid cold day, you might see your EV battery dead. There is also a risk of losing the driving range during the winter season. Cold weather may also slow down the physical and chemical reactions inside the EV batteries. It means temperature will affect diffusivity and conductivity in the battery. So, a lower capacity and longer charging time are some common effects on your EV. Let us talk about the cold weather effects on EVs.
Is it challenging to drive a car in the snow?
EVs are all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive cars designed to move forward smoothly on snowy roads. The strategic position of the batteries makes the center of gravity comparatively low. It improves stability and boosts traction on cold winter days.
However, it is to be noted that electric cars are weightier than similar-sized traditional vehicles. That is why you will find it difficult to move the car through a snow-filled road. Speed is the most important factor for every car driver. Thus, you must drive carefully and slowly in snowy conditions. In this situation, you can choose the eco mode to extend the battery range and drive the vehicle safely. This mode will limit the torque level and the amount of power.
You can consider investing in all-season tires or winter tires to make a considerable difference. Even if the temperature falls, they will provide a better grip when you drive on snow.
Cold weather effects on EVs: How do frigid temperatures affect your electric car’s performance?
The winter season has an adverse effect on your EV.
- Reduce the EV’s driving range– Most EV car owners have found that the driving range reduces by 15 to 20% in winter months. The snowy road will cause further reduction in the range. So, you have to charge your battery properly to enjoy a smooth journey.
- Need a longer charging time– EVs perform at the optimal level under a particular temperature that allows efficient charging. But, if the vehicle is cold, the charging time will be longer. Buy a high-speed charger to minimize the charging time.
- Reduced EV battery life– Warm batteries have a higher capacity than cold ones. So, on winter days, EVs cannot retain a significant amount of charge. It happens because cold temperatures slow down the complex chemical reaction for power generation. It will weaken the battery power and reduce the lifespan.
Remember that EV’s driving range is not an all-purpose, simple measurement. Hills, traffic, and different climatic settings have their impact. You must be cautious of weather conditions while buying the car. Check the driving range of the vehicle before making a purchase. You can also charge the vehicle more frequently.
The best fact is that the latest EVs are available with a battery range of more than 200 miles. You will find more improvements in the range in the upcoming models. But, the older EVs may lose their range over time.
The weather is unpredictable, and your car will undergo aging. That is why you should choose an EV with an extra range. It will save you from stress in the winter season.
How will you overcome the EV driving range issues on cold winter days?
Weather conditions are not under your control. But, you can prepare your electric car for chilly winter days. So, find the best tips for optimizing your car’s performance on cold, snowy days.
Ensure you have fully charged the EV
Your vehicle should be charged at the maximum level to ensure you can run it efficiently during your trip. Your car will not run out of power. But, it will be a costly affair if you use a higher amount of electricity. So, contact the energy supplier to know about the cost-saving approaches. For instance, some experts say that charging the vehicle at night will save costs.
Precondition your battery
The EV battery often gets cold causing a challenge to the car driver. So, you have to keep the EV battery warm on the cold days. The simplest trick is to drive your electric car frequently and cover short distances. Some people consider preconditioning the batteries before dealing with the DC charging process. It involves taking the energy from your car battery to heat up to the maximum temperature for faster charging. Most drivers do it by accessing the DC faster charger in the car’s navigation system. Many EVs have a separate control to activate the process manually.
Choose a regenerative braking system
The braking system generates the kinetic energy that you use to power the car. It prevents the loss of energy. So, the EV’s battery charge will be long-lasting on cold days. You will also enjoy an extended driving range. But, not all electric cars have modern regenerative braking. While choosing the EV model, you should ensure that the car has this technology.
The cabin heat supply is another reason for the degraded performance of the EV. You can run the seat heaters, cabin heaters, and defrosters to combat the chilly winter. It causes a considerable effect before the temperature reaches the freezing point. Some experts observed that the driving range deteriorates when the temperature hits 40F. It increases the concern for drivers because there may be a long queue in the public charging stations.
Conclusion
Electric vehicle owners must be cautious on cold winter days. The lower temperatures affect the EVs and even other traditional car’s performance. But, there are ways to manage cold weather effects on EVs. It will allow you to drive the car efficiently and smoothly on winter days. Buy the latest electric cars that show consistent performance every season.
