Then you are not the only one.
But we can reassure you that the battery is not defective and the charger is not broken.
It is completely normal for the time of year. Because when the cold hits, the range of the electric car will be significantly affected.
According to FDM, the rule of thumb is that for every degree the temperature drops below 20 degrees, it costs one percent on the range.
This means that if you normally drive 500 kilometers on a charge at 20 degrees, you can only drive 400 kilometers when the temperature has hit the freezing point.
Naturally, this also has the consequence that electricity consumption increases noticeably.
That is why we have put together seven pieces of advice that can extend the range of your electric car and save you money on your electricity bill.
Set the electric car to preheat the cabin so that it is comfortably warm when you go out for a drive in the morning. In addition to stepping into a comfortable car, you also avoid scraping ice off the windows. If the car is connected to the charger, it also does not affect the range, as the battery does not use power.
It is a good idea to turn off the heat when the car is warmed up and charging is complete. You can also protect the battery by heating only the steering wheel and the seat rather than the entire cabin.
Several electric cars are equipped with an eco function, which optimizes battery consumption and makes driving more energy efficient. Among other things, the function adjusts the power consumption based on the traffic in order to protect the battery.
The speed is one of the biggest culprits in terms of draining the battery. It is recommended to maintain a steady speed and avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration.
The tire pressure plays an important role in relation to the performance of the electric car. If it is too low, it will negatively affect the range. Therefore, make sure that the tires always have the correct pressure.
The heavier the car, the more power it uses. You can with good reason remove the unnecessary things in the luggage compartment.
As battery performance decreases in cold temperatures, it’s a good idea to plan your trip in advance. It helps you avoid unnecessary travel time and allows you to find charging stations along the route.
2024-11-22 09:24:00
#electric #cars #range #decreasing #tips #drive
What are the best strategies for maximizing electric vehicle range during winter months?
**Interview with EV Expert about Winter Range Reduction**
**Editor:** Today, we have EV expert Dr. Sarah Knox with us to discuss an important topic for electric vehicle (EV) owners: how cold weather affects battery performance and driving range during winter months. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Knox.
**Dr. Knox:** Thanks for having me!
**Editor:** First off, can you explain how cold weather affects the range of electric vehicles?
**Dr. Knox:** Absolutely. Cold temperatures have a significant impact on EV batteries. For every degree that the temperature drops below 20 degrees Celsius, there’s an approximate 1% reduction in range. So, if an EV normally covers 500 kilometers at 20 degrees, that could drop to about 400 kilometers when it hits freezing—definitely something owners should be aware of [[1](https://www.truecar.com/blog/12-electric-car-driving-tips-for-winter/)].
**Editor:** That’s a substantial decrease! What causes this drop in range?
**Dr. Knox:** The primary factor is that batteries operate less efficiently in colder conditions. Cold temperatures can increase the internal resistance of the battery, meaning it can’t store or release energy as efficiently. Additionally, drivers tend to use more energy for heating the cabin, which further reduces the available range [[1](https://www.truecar.com/blog/12-electric-car-driving-tips-for-winter/)].
**Editor:** You mentioned that heating the cabin is energy-intensive. What are some strategies that EV owners can employ to extend their range during winter?
**Dr. Knox:** Yes, there are several strategies. First, preheating the cabin while the car is still plugged in is an excellent option. This way, you enjoy a warm car without using battery power. Secondly, once the car is heated, it’s wise to lower the heat and focus on warming just the seats and steering wheel to save energy [[1](https://www.truecar.com/blog/12-electric-car-driving-tips-for-winter/)].
**Editor:** Those sound like practical tips. Are there any features in modern EVs that can help with this situation?
**Dr. Knox:** Definitely! Many electric vehicles come with an eco-driving mode, which optimizes power consumption and can enhance efficiency during winter months. This mode adjusts various settings to ensure that the car uses energy more judiciously, which is particularly useful in colder weather [[1](https://www.truecar.com/blog/12-electric-car-driving-tips-for-winter/)].
**Editor:** Thank you for those insights, Dr. Knox. Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers about preparing their EVs for winter?
**Dr. Knox:** Just a reminder that charging habits might need to adjust in winter too. Owners should ensure their chargers are functioning properly and consider using charging stations that are better insulated from the cold, if possible. And of course, always check the battery and vehicle settings before embarking on long trips during the colder months [[1](https://www.truecar.com/blog/12-electric-car-driving-tips-for-winter/)].
**Editor:** Great advice! Thank you, Dr. Knox, for sharing your expertise and helping EV owners prepare for the winter season.
**Dr. Knox:** My pleasure! Happy driving!
