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Heading north for the winter? Prepare your EV with these tips

December 13, 2024

Last winter’s television reports of EV drivers waiting in long lines at crowded public charging stations drew a line in the snow for many electric-vehicle intenders. Why would drivers in the North and Northeast subject themselves to such frigid range anxiety for a vehicle they might not be able to use year-round?

In truth, electric vehicles have excellent year-round capability — when the driver is prepared.

New research from AAA reveals that when temperatures dip to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, and the HVAC system is used to heat the inside of the vehicle, the average driving range of an EV decreases by 41 percent. Likewise, when temps heat up to 95 degrees and air-conditioning is used, the driving range is reduced by 17 percent.

With proper preparation, charging, and maintenance, your EV will endure the winter season and well beyond. Consider the following tips for a better winter EV experience.

Defeating range anxiety

EV range is not an absolute metric, and winter can have the shortest range, writes Judie Nuskey at Automotive Fleet, a website that provides news, insights, and strategies for commercial fleet management. Nuskey is the director of operations at Advanced Driver Training Services.

“Weather, hills, climate temperature, cargo, passenger, aerodynamics, and speed traffic have dramatic impacts on EV range,” Nuskey said in the report.

She said that getting your EV ready for winter is crucial to maximize its safety, performance and longevity. “Just like an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, taking a proactive approach to prepare your vehicle for harsh weather makes all the difference.”

Although seasonal maintenance is a similar concept, the actual steps to winterize an electric vehicle may differ from an ICE in ways that might have yet to be anticipated.

Braving the cold battery

An EV battery has an ideal operating temperature of around 68 to 100 degrees (20-40 degrees Celsius), Nuskey said. “Depending on the vehicle model, those warmer temperatures can be difficult to achieve in winter. If the temperature is lower than this, it will affect charging speed and range, and your vehicle won’t go as far. Daily driving and charging behaviors must be adjusted in winter months.” Nuskey makes the following suggestions:

Disable folding side mirrors: Water from melting snow and ice can work into mirrors and freeze. In freezing temperatures, the mirrors can freeze in a closed position. In trying to break free, it is possible to burn out the motors.
Clear the glass and wipers: In harsh climates, take care that the wiper blades are not frozen or adhere to the windshield. Remove ice from the windshield before using the wipers. Ice has sharp edges that can damage the rubber on the blades. Install quality windshield wipers to aid in snow and ice removal.
Clear the trunk lid before opening: Do not keep the ice scraper or brush in the trunk. When opening the trunk, snow and ice could fall into the trunk above the battery’s location, adding moisture when melted.
Monitor tire pressure: Colder temperatures cause the air level in the tires to contract and the pressure to fall, decreasing the car’s efficiency. Proper air pressure can extend the battery life by 3 to 7 percent.

Maximizing cold-weather driving range

Winter temperatures will reduce an EV’s usual driving range. Consider these suggestions to help maximize mileage.

Reduce regenerative brake force

EVs use regenerative braking to recoup kinetic energy as the vehicle slows to a stop. The electric motor acts as a generator, converting the kinetic energy into electrical energy, which is then stored in the battery. The force of most regenerative systems can be adjusted for more or less energy recuperation.

In winter driving, set the regenerative braking force to the lowest setting. When letting off the accelerator, the vehicle will begin to decelerate. Strong regenerative braking could be too aggressive in icy conditions and cause an EV to lose traction and slide.

Precondition the cabin

Set the preconditioning mode to warm the interior of the vehicle, which does not draw from the battery. Most electric vehicles can be programmed to begin preconditioning at a set time to ensure the vehicle is ready for a scheduled departure.

Driving range can be extended by remote starting the vehicle for approximately 30 minutes before unplugging it from the power source.

Use Economy Mode

Eco Mode limits the power to the motor and transmission responsiveness, which depletes battery life. Operating in this low-energy mode can benefit during icy weather conditions because the car will accelerate more slowly and prevent the tires from spinning.

Plan to use seat warmers and a heated steering wheel. These features use less energy and provide targeted heat, giving more battery to travel. Also, turn down the cabin heater if it is a standard radiant system, which does take from battery reserves.

Some electric vehicles have a heat pump to warm the cabin. The heat pump functions somewhat like an air conditioner in reverse and does not draw electrical power from the battery pack. Heat pumps absorb the excess heat generated by the EV’s battery and drivetrain to improve the car’s efficiency, range, and driving experience. A heat pump also helps maintain optimal battery temperature and real-world range.

Keep it covered

Like ICE vehicles, EVs run better when safeguarded from lower temperatures. Whenever possible, park your EV in a garage or keep the car covered when exposed to the elements. Protecting the EV will help keep the battery charged longer.

Maintain a charge on the EV battery

Plug in your electric vehicle when parked for extended periods or overnight in freezing conditions. When the vehicle is plugged in, the vehicle’s battery temperature is kept above freezing temperatures to help optimize battery performance. This function occurs whether or not the vehicle is actively charging while plugged in.

Keep in mind cold temperatures will negatively affect a battery’s performance and limit its ability to accept a charge. Many EVs limit the charging voltage when the battery is cold to protect the high-voltage battery. Regular charge speed will return when the battery has warmed up.

Plan ahead

Stay one step ahead before you travel and plan out when your vehicle will need the most charge. If you need to leave in the morning when the temperature is below 40 degrees overnight, set the charge so that it finishes as close as possible to your departure time instead of charging the night before.

Planning a road trip should include frequent and redundant charging station waypoints to ensure a smooth driving experience even in unpredictable weather conditions.

Protect outdoor chargers

EV chargers installed outdoors must be protected from freezing. Charging connectors are designed to be waterproof, but heavy snow can cause them to freeze. You can help prevent freezing by using a magnetic EV charging inlet connector cover. When finished charging, always hang the charger connector according to the manufacturer’s recommendations when not in use.

SOURCES: pseg.com/EV; Automotive-Fleet.com ; info.oregon.aaa.com

Mark Maynard has been writing about cars, their people, and products for 30 years. Find him at MaynardsGarage.com.

The news and editorial staffs of Southern California News Group and The San Diego Union-Tribune had no role in this post’s preparation.

Orange County Register

News Details

Heading north for the winter? Prepare your EV with these tips

Defeating range anxiety

Braving the cold battery

Maximizing cold-weather driving range

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