Driving an Electric Vehicle in Winter Weather

Posted on
4 min to read

Electric cars are increasing in popularity each month—and for good reason! They are environmentally friendly, efficient and cost-effective. However, driving an electric car in winter weather can be a challenge. 

In this blog post, we will offer tips on how to prepare your electric vehicle for winter weather, what to do if you get stuck in the snow, how to keep your battery healthy and practical winter driving tips. We will also discuss some safety concerns that you should be aware of when driving an electric vehicle in winter weather. Finally, we will provide a list of charging stations that are open during the winter months.

How to prepare your electric vehicle for winter weather

If you live in an area that experiences cold winters, it is important to take steps to prepare your electric vehicle for the more extreme weather. One of the most important things to do is make sure your electric vehicle’s battery is healthy. A healthy battery will last longer and perform better in cold weather. You can check the health of your electric vehicle’s battery by taking it to a certified technician. They will be able to test the battery and give you an estimate of its health.

Another important thing to do before the cold weather arrives is to winterize your electric vehicle. This means checking brake and wiper fluids, ensuring brake pads are working and fully charging the battery. Inspecting, rotating, or even switching to winter tires during the cold months will help improve traction during snowy days. Electric vehicles tend to have a shorter driving range in cold weather, so it is important to make sure it’s fully charged before you head out on a trip. 

How to maintain your driving range during winter months

Another thing to keep in mind is that electric vehicles tend to use more energy in the winter than they do in warmer weather, reducing driving range. 

While even conventional vehicles experience a reduction in fuel economy during winter, it’s more concerning with EVs as drivers need to be confident they have enough range to reach their destination. Heating up and maintaining warmth in the vehicle cabin is usually the biggest drain on EV range. 

Real-world range vs. rated range

Source: Geotab

Tips to maximize driving range

  • Lower the inside temperature of the vehicle in the winter to reduce battery drain
  • Use your heated seats only when needed as they draw a lot of battery life
  • Preheat the cabin while the EV is still plugged in to save more battery life
  • Check tire pressure regularly to maintain efficiency
  • Reduce driving speeds by 5-10 mph to gain an additional 10-20% of range, depending on the model
  • Park your EV in a garage or carport to help keep the battery warmer
  • Leave your EV plugged in overnight during the harshest conditions
  • Know where charging stations are located before you set out on a road trip

Video: EV Stuck In The Snow? No, You’re Not Going To Be A Human Popsicle.

Safety concerns when driving an electric vehicle in winter

When driving an electric vehicle in winter weather, there are a few safety concerns that you should be aware of. First, electric vehicles tend to have a shorter range in cold weather. This means that you could find yourself stranded if your electric vehicle runs out of charge. Secondly, electric vehicles can slip and slide on icy roads just like any other vehicle. It is important to drive slowly and carefully on icy roads. Finally, electric vehicles can be damaged by extremely cold weather. If you live in an area that experiences very cold winters, it is important to keep your electric vehicle in a garage or carport to protect it from the cold weather.

Where to find charging stations during winter months

If you are looking for charging stations that are open during winter months, there are a few resources that you can use. The first is the U.S. Department of Energy website, which allows you to search for electric charging stations by location. The second resource is PlugShare. This website allows users to share information about electric charging stations that they have used. Charging stations are constantly popping up and an app may be a convenient way to find the one you need. 

What to do if your electric vehicle gets stuck in the snow

If you find yourself stuck in the snow with your electric vehicle, there are a few things you can do to get yourself unstuck. First, you can try using a shovel to clear snow away from the tires. If the snow is too deep, you can put sand or cat litter under the tires for traction. If you live in an area that experiences harsh winter conditions, you may want to consider winter tires to improve your grip on snow-covered roads.

In conclusion

Driving an electric vehicle in winter weather can be a safe and enjoyable experience if you take the necessary precautions. Make sure to keep your vehicle in good running condition by following our tips and know where to find charging stations that are open during winter months. With a little preparation, you can confidently drive your electric vehicle in any type of weather and road condition.

Nationwide electric vehicle shipping 

Have you been shopping for an electric vehicle and haven’t found the right one? You can expand your options by searching for your ideal EV in other cities across the country and have it shipped directly to your home or office with Montway Auto Transport

Montway has over 15 years of experience in the privately-owned vehicle market and has helped more than one million car owners move their vehicles. Carriers in our network have the training and expertise to load and unload electric vehicles and safely transport them anywhere in the country. Get an instant EV car shipping quote or call to speak with a Montway car shipping advisor. 

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