8 proven tips to maximize the range of electric vehicle during winter

Maximizing one’s electric vehicle’s range can be challenging during harsh winters, especially when the temperatures keep dropping for months. While you contribute to the environment by making a conscious choice, EV batteries need extra care and attention during the cold season. Below are some tips and tricks to help maximize your electric vehicle’s range during the winter. You can also speak to a company dealer for more battery care advice.

Charge before the low battery sign
Like any other device working on a battery, EV batteries need to be at an optimal charge level to give the vehicle the right measure of power and efficiency. When the battery power goes down to 20 or 15 percent, it is often in its reserve mode, affecting its optimization. Especially during the winter season, it is advised to keep your battery well above 20%, which helps maintain its long-term stability.

No extra weight allowed
Several factors must be considered for battery health when the weather is too severe. One such aspect involves ensuring the car pulls the ideal weight for the weather. If you feel any lag or slack in the range provided by the car, there may be way too many things or people occupying the vehicle. Therefore, one must reevaluate the situation and remove some of the weight from the car to improve its range of efficiency for the battery.

Parking indoors
Simple science suggests that it takes less energy to maintain a temperature than it does to increase the temperature. By that logic, parking your electric vehicle inside a garage can be a helpful trick. In a garage covered from all sides, the car can remain safe along with the battery, which will not freeze like outdoors. If the garage is heated, it can be even more helpful in maximizing battery range and performance.

Battery warm-up
An easy trick used in combustion cars, battery warm-up, is a step where the driver starts the car and lets it heat up before using it for a drive. It is usually done when the car has not been used for a while. While this method is generally not required for EVs, it can be helpful. It can be done right before you take the car out for a drive, and instead of pre-conditioning the battery by itself, you can do it while it is still charging from the grid. That way, it uses the grid’s power to heat up, not the battery’s. The battery pre-conditioning technique ensures better performance and longer battery life.

Heat the seats
It is a brilliant and efficient trick to use. Most HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems have the option of seat heating which can be used instead of a heater inside the cabin. It takes much more power to heat the air in the cabin than to heat the car seats while driving. It keeps the occupants warm, and the battery range well enough for a smooth ride.

Tire types and pressure requirements
Studies indicate that cold weather leads to decreased amount of pressure in the tires. If there is not enough air pressure in the tires, they may deflate, which can cause drag. This extra drag makes the battery work harder than its optimum levels, affecting its range of performance. Therefore, it is advised to always check your tires frequently during the winter to avoid excessive dragging. Besides tire pressure, it is also necessary to ensure you have the right tires for extreme weather conditions. Winter tires are sold in places that experience intense winters to ensure the safety of the car and its passengers. It is also advised to put snow chains over the tire to increase the grip on the snow-filled road, which can help reduce drag.

Eco-mode driving
Most electric vehicles have an eco-mode feature, essentially used to increase performance and efficiency. The difference is very noticeable when you drive in normal mode compared to the eco mode. The performance will not be affected due to various factors like switching on heaters or acceleration. So to make the most out of your EV, switch to this mode of driving when stepping out.

Keep the EV plugged in
When you are not driving, the best way to maximize your battery’s range is to keep the vehicle plugged in to charge while parked. It ensures that your car’s battery level does not go below the 20% mark, which is the reserve mode. Further, the battery does not have to work to keep the temperature up as it is already getting charged using the grid power supply. It ensures that you always have a charged-up EV to use in times of emergency.

Electric vehicles are a great environment and economical choice, but many depend on convenience. Thanks to developing technology, these EVs are no less than other combustion cars and can easily carry out the job with just a little extra care. It is also best to consult a vehicle expert to know all the information about your car and how to deal with any limitations during the winter season to optimize its performance.