Winter Driving Safety Tips for Electric Vehicle Owners
Electric cars in winter: The essential cold weather driving tips
As the temperatures drop and the days get shorter, it's important to be prepared for winter driving!
Electric vehicles are popular year-round, but they may require special attention in cold weather. Especially if this is your first winter owning and subscribing to an EV.
Here are some practical tips that can help you keep your car running safely during the winter season.
Battery and charging in winter
Cold weather reduces the efficiency of all vehicle types, not just EVs. Cars that run on petrol or diesel can see their fuel economy drop by up to 20% when outside temperatures drop in the winter.
However, the range and efficiency of an EV can drop by a comparable amount (and potentially significantly more in extremely cold situations). This can come as a shock particularly to those who rely on public charging points or those who regularly undertake long journeys in their EV.
The biggest challenge for electric cars in winter is the battery.
It turns out that cold weather can have an impact on your vehicle's battery capacitybut how much of an impact depends on the area you live in and how low the temperatures get. We, in the UK, are quite fortunate that we rarely get snow for prolonged periods of time, but it's still definitely something to keep in mind.
Cold weather causes decreased battery efficiency and capacity
You may have noticed that your electric vehicle uses more energy in cold weather than when its warm. That's because the batteries of an EV are affected by temperature, which reduces both the speed that they can charge and the amount of energy that they can hold.
Lithium-ion batteries perform best at a temperature between 15C and 35C, decreasing in efficiency if their environment is too cold (or too hot as a matter of fact). This means slower charging and also reduced range. In fact, when driving -6C with the heat on, researchers saw EV ranges drop on average by 41%.
It's a good thing to keep in mind if you're not charging your vehicle at home at night. In winter, your battery will hold less charge, it will take longer to charge and its charge will deplete faster when not driving. Check out our EV map of charging points to ensure a station is nearby!
Prolonging electric car battery charge in winter
So, youve chosen to make the switch in the winter by subscribing to an electric vehicle. High five! However, keeping in mind what we discussed above, you will want to follow a few steps to improve your winter driving experience.
- If possible, try to park your car in a garage or in a temperature-controlled environment. You can also try to find a spot in the sun (its rare in the UK but it happens!).
- Warm your car up before you drive. A lot of EVs now have mobile apps that allow you to pre-heat the battery before you set off. This will increase the batterys efficiency and save energy once youre on the move.
- This may be an obvious one, but the more you drive your EV at high speeds on the motorway, the faster its battery capacity will be used up. This is true all-year-around though, so a good thing to remember.
- Plug in whenever possible and top up your battery when out and about. The colder the weather gets and the longer your commute, the more important it is to keep your car plugged in. Keep your range anxiety at bay and be prepared.
- If your car is likely to sit idle for an extended period over the winter, try to ensure it has between 20% and 80% charge when its parked up. This will help to prolong the life of the battery, and it will also ensure that theres enough charge when you return.
- Go easy on the heater. Heated seats and heated steering wheels might seem like an indulgence, but warming up those touch-points is actually far more efficient than heating all in the air in the cabin.
Charging an EV in heavy rain or snow
It's safe to charge an electric car in rain and snow. This is because both electric cars and charging stations are equipped with layers of protective material that prevent water from mixing in with the electricity, avoid short-circuiting, and guard against sparks or current loss.
The engineers who design EVs consider how water, rain, dust and other particles could interfere with the electrical system. Electric cars and charging equipment usually have an Ingress Protection rating (IP for short) rating of 67.
This means they are 100% protected against solid small particles like dust and sand, and it has been tested to work for at least 30 minutes while under 15cm to 1m of water.
Preparing your EV for winter driving
Preparing your electric car for the colder months isn't that different to non-EVs but we'll focus on what it's actually relevant to battery-powered cars.
Ensure correct tyre pressure
Tyre pressure is a major factor in winter driving. If you dont keep your tires at the recommended pressure, they will have a harder time gripping the road and slowing you down when you need it most.
For example, some mid-sized SUVs require 35 PSI for the front wheels and 33 PSI for the rear wheels, but always check your vehicle's manual.
Check the conditions of your tyres
Can you remember the last time you checked your wheels? Tyre pressure aside, good tyre thread depth ensures you get as much grip as possible.
The age-old way of checking is by inserting a 20p coin into the tread grooves on the tyre. If you can't see the outer band on the coin, your tyres are above the legal limit which is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre.
You should also check for any cuts and bits and pieces hanging of the tyres. Good to keep an eye out for any damage and cuts which can worsen over time.
Winter tyres on an electric car
You can use winter tires on your electric car during the colder months. Winter tyres have more grooves than summer tires, which help displace water and give a better grip in snowy or icy conditions.
Because electric cars have high outputs (e.g. 0-62 in under 5 seconds) and tend to weigh more than petrol or diesel vehicles, EVs have specific tyre requirements, such as:
- Optimal grip
- Minimal rolling resistance
- Larger load capacity for heavier electric cars
Check your owner's manual or consult the vehicle manufacturer for information about any special requirements for replacement tyres.
Preheat your EV when possible
Remote start your vehicle for at least 30 minutes before unplugging it from the power source. This is also known as "preconditioning" the vehicle. Check our write up on "How electric car heaters work"!
While youre finishing up your morning workout, having a bite for breakfast or taking your morning shower, the car can be preheated in the garage so that when you leave for work, it will be ready to go.
Preconditioning permits the inside of the car to warm up without depleting the battery while the car is still plugged into the charger.
Most EVs now allow you to remote start or even schedule preconditioning ahead of time, so the EV is ready to go when you sit behind the wheel.
On the road with your EV
Once youre out on the road, there are several things to remember in order to maximise your winter EV experience.
Turn on eco-driving mode
Eco-driving mode is a feature many EVs have to help make driving more efficient. When youre in eco-mode, the power of the motors is reduced which means you'll accelerate more slowly.
Your car's computer will also find other ways to save on energy so, your driving experience may not feel as good and nimble. But it's all for a good cause, safe driving and extending your range in the cold weather!
Drive more smoothly
Changing driving habits is hard but there are a few winter driving principles which will maximise the use of regenerative braking systems that put energy back in the battery instead of wasting it.
- Accelerating slowly to avoid losing traction.
- Brake more carefully.
- Let go of the accelerator and make use of regenerative braking.
- Anticipate stoplights and slow down well in time.
When you can, remove heavy objects and roof racks from your vehicle to increase fuel efficiency even more
Careful driving on snow or ice
Electric cars weigh more than petrol- or diesel-powered vehicles. In icy conditions, slow and cautious driving is critical because the loss of traction may cause a slide that's difficult to recover from.
Avoid sudden movements, such as hard acceleration and braking, or turning sharply.
EVs also have stability control and an anti-lock braking system, which can support handling and traction by monitoring your speed, reducing wheel spinand activating the brakes.
Some EVs also have a winter setting specifically designed for winter driving and improves traction in icy conditions.
Winter EV essentials items
Here is a list of items to keep in your car over winter:
- Ice scraper and de-icer.
- Torch and spare batteries.
- A fully charged mobile phone.
- A portable power bank.
- First aid kit.
- An extra set of warm clothes for each occupant.
- Non-perishable snacks.
- If youre venturing into a remote area and the weather is particularly harsh, a portable snow shovel can be useful.
- Chains or snow socks - unlikely to need them in the UKbut worth having them if you plan to drive in snow.
If you are in an emergency during the winter months, most car subscription providers offer roadside assistance as part of your monthly payment. Make a note of their number and ensure you understand how you can reach out to them for help. Any damage to the car will likely also be covered as part of your subscription.
Everything EV owners need to know about cold weather issues, and tips to maximize driving range
Sadly, winter weather is a challenge to the EV ownership experience. There are the typical issues like slippery roads, brushing the snow off your car, cold steering wheels and the general stupidity of other drivers. But there are also some unique pain points, specifically pertaining to driving range and EV charging. If its your first winter in an EV, or if youre an EV owner relocating to a colder climate, here are the things you should know about electric cars and cold weather.
Cold weather decreasesEVdriving range
Its an unfortunate reality that your electric car simply wont go as far on a single charge when its cold as it will in warmer temperatures. According to Consumer Reports, cars lose about 25% of their driving range due to cold temperatures in normal driving, or even more if youre stopping between charges, forcing the car and battery to warm up again. In addition to the usual driving practices that help save fuel, there are a few things you can do go further on a charge, even in freezing temperatures.
Tips to maximizeEVdriving range in the cold
Opt for a heat pump when purchasing an EV. If you live in an area where you know youll face colder temperatures for part of the year, many EVs offer a heat pump as standard or optional equipment. A heat pump draws warmth from the environment (yes, even in cold weather) to help keep the passengers warm, reducing the amount of energy needed for climate control, thus increasing range.
Park indoors when possible. A garage is great. A heated garage is even better. The closer your battery stays to its ideal temperature about 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit the better, but even 40 degrees is better than 20. If a garage isnt available, parking in the sun and out of the wind will help a bit.
Keep your car plugged in before driving. This allows you to do two things that will help range. First, it will keep your battery warm until you unplug it. Depending on your car or your home charger, you might even be able to set a departure time, which will precondition your battery for your trip. Plugging in also allows you to
Heat the cabin before you leave. If your interior is already at a comfortable temperature when fully charged, it wont have to use that extra energy to warm up the cabin while youre driving. Go turn on your car and let the cabin warm up before you unplug, or use a remote app or departure schedule, if available, to have things ready.
Bundle up. As a last resort, if youre really concerned about your range, or obsessive about efficiency, dressing warmly will allow you to keep the temperature set lower and be comfortable without having to use heated seats or steering wheel. We hate to recommend this tactic, however, as its a sacrifice you shouldnt have to make when living with an EV, and the previous recommendations should be effective enough.
EVcharging takes longer in the cold
The colder it is, the slower the chemical reaction in your lithium-ion battery that allows it to accept a charge. When charging our long-term EV6 in the winter, for instance, wed often see it peak at a much lower charging rate than the car and the charger were usually capable of. That just means your stops at the charging station will take longer. There are steps you can take, though, to make for a better winter EV charging experience.
How to charge EVs in cold weather
If you can, again, park your car indoors. A heated garage is ideal, but anything that will keep it even a little warmer will make a difference.
Use Level 2 charging at home. Most EV owners will install a Level 2 charger or 240-volt outlet at home anyway, as it simply chargers the car much faster than using a standard 120-volt outlet.
Plan ahead on longer trips. If youre going to need to stop at a charging station on the way to your destination, budget extra time into your trips. With decreased range, youll have to charge more often, and those charging stops will take longer. If you plan for that, itll make your trip smoother. Some EVs have built-in route planners that can let when and where you should charge along the way, and navigate you to them, to save the most time.
Use a preconditioning feature, if your car has one. If youre going to stop at a public charger, your car can warm the battery to an optimum temperature to charge more quickly. This will, of course, use more energy while youre driving to the charger, but youll make up for it with the faster charging rate, as the car wont have to spend time getting the battery up to its ideal charging temperature once plugged in. Check your owners manual and infotainment menus to see if your car this feature.
Keep your battery above 20%. Just like you dont want to get stranded with an empty tank of gas, you dont want to run out of charge on the way to a charging station (which are generally fewer and further between than gas stations). Its a safety issue, but also, your battery is quicker to charge when its between 20% and 80%.
What do the automakers say?
The above are good general tips for winter, but various car brands might have more advice specific to the EVs they sell, whether its details about their feature sets or best practices for range and comfort. Heres what a few of them say.
Tesla includes details in its owners manuals, which are available online. For instance, the Tesla Model 3 manual walks you through scheduling defrosting before your departure, what to do if your charge port or door handles freeze, and what its cold battery indicator light means. It also recommends keeping the car plugged in when not in use.
Ford, which makes the Mustang Mach-E and Ford F-150 Lightning EVs, has a video providing tips on charging in cold weather. It recommends parking in a garage, keeping it plugged in, and using the vehicles included preconditioning and departure time functions to extend range.
Porsche, which makes the Taycan, has an article with information from an electric vehicle engineer with explainers about why range suffers in winter, dispelling some myths about EVs in the process. It explains that all vehicles are less efficient in the cold, but electric vehicles dont have the benefit of using the massive amount of waste heat from the engine to heat the cabin. It also discusses the benefit of a heat pump and what to do if you need to leave your vehicle sitting in the cold for a couple weeks.
When in doubt, check your owners manual for information about what winter-friendly features your car may have.
