Maximizing Electric Car Efficiency in Winter: Tips to Avoid Range Problems and Battery Damage

2024-01-19 14:08:43

Electric cars are improving day by day in order to compete with thermal cars. However, EVs can suffer from freezing temperatures, especially when it comes to their batteries. Fortunately, there are solutions to avoid range problems in winter.

Tesla Model 3 ©Yannik Zimmermann via Unsplash

Electric vehicles (EVs) are meant to be “greener” alternatives to gasoline cars. A statement that is not entirely true, since the construction of an EV is in fact very polluting, with the industry’s water consumption being astronomical.

However, this type of car is becoming more and more popular, particularly in France. Indeed, electric cars are attracting more and more drivers and manufacturers are offering more and more innovative models. However, while they are cleaner, EVs also come with autonomy problems linked to their battery.

Electric car batteries don’t like the cold

While electric cars are more reliable in cold weather, temperature remains an issue to take into account. In fact, a thermometer that is too low might cause electric cars to lose up to 50% of their range, in addition to taking longer to charge.

During winter periods, owners of electric vehicles are therefore faced with a major challenge: being able to move around without damaging the battery of the vehicle. Unfortunately, cases of drivers experiencing charging issues in icy conditions are mounting.

Mini electric ©Renato Mitra via Unsplash

These difficulties of EVs are due to the composition of the batteries. It appears that the cold would slow down the movement of lithium ions, thereby reducing the release of energy. Additionally, to charge efficiently, batteries must reach optimal temperature, which can be a problem at even the best charging stations.

Fortunately, he there are solutions to avoid breakdown. Indeed, experts emphasize that the careful planning of its journey can allow owners to VE not to suffer from the cold. Here are four tips to follow in order to hit the roads behind the wheel of an electric vehicle without damaging your battery:

Precondition your battery : Before heading to the charging station, program your EV to precondition the battery. This helps heat the battery, improving charging speed.

Plan your departure from A to Z : Check the weather and plan your trip accordingly. Use the car’s information regarding available charging stations and remaining range to avoid unforeseen events.

Anticipate loss of battery life : In winter, expect a loss of autonomy of up to 50%. By taking this variation into account, you will avoid surprises when traveling.

Give your battery time to warm up : Understand that in freezing weather, it can take up to half an hour for the battery to preheat. Take plenty of time for the process to happen before you start your ride.

Obviously, know how the battery works of the vehicle is also a significant plus. It is interesting to become familiar with the mechanics of electric vehicles in order to enjoy optimal use.

Although currently EVs remain at the mercy of cold weather, experts are optimistic regarding the future. Automakers are working on short-term solutions to protect the batteries and warm them more efficiently. Good news that allows EV drivers to remain optimistic.

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