You can see for yourself – our Lithuanian winters are truly extreme. Half a meter of snow can disappear in two days due to heavy rain, only for temperatures to drop to -25°C overnight. Then, in a couple of days, there’s positive temperatures with rain, sleet, freezing rain, and plenty of ice. After that, it’s back to -20°C... Such winters can be tough on your nerves and, of course, on our electric vehicles.
So, how do you properly operate an electric vehicle during the winter to ensure it works efficiently and doesn’t let you down during important trips? Here are some tips.
Time for the garage...
Practically 90% of all problems can be solved by keeping your electric vehicle in a warm garage. A carport can protect it from snow and rain, but it won’t help with the cold. When neither of these options is available, some electric vehicle owners simply cover their steel-electric friend with a special tarp. In the morning, when it’s time to drive, it can be removed along with the snow or ice, and the car will stay clean and dry.
Don’t be afraid to charge outdoors
Most charging cables have an IP67 rating, which means they are resistant to moisture and direct water exposure. This means you don’t need any special boxes, buckets with punctured bottoms, or plastic bags. All of this is unnecessary and sometimes can even lead to scratches on the vehicle’s body.
Don’t let the battery drop below 40%
When the battery level drops to 20%, there’s always a risk of encountering problems. It’s worth leaving a little reserve and not draining the battery completely, even if you only need to drive a few kilometers. Lithium-ion batteries are sensitive to cold. In lower temperatures, the battery charges more slowly and less efficiently. Also, during cold starts, more energy is required than usual.
Preheat the car for at least 30 minutes before driving
In cold weather, before you drive your electric vehicle, turn on the heating function via the control app. Most modern electric vehicles have this feature. To warm up the cabin faster, turn on the seat and steering wheel heaters. They will also help raise the cabin temperature more quickly. If you get into a completely cold car, you risk encountering battery issues.
Clean the windows
In winter, it’s crucial to maintain good visibility. An electric vehicle is a fast car, so driving safely and seeing the road is essential. When your windows are frozen, and you’re looking out like a medieval soldier through a gun slit, various incidents can happen. In winter, you never know when you'll need a quick reaction to a situation on the road, so your windows must be properly cleared.
Lower tire pressure
Do you know why summer tires for passenger cars should be inflated to 2.2 bar, while in winter, 2.0 bar is enough? The reason is simple: when a tire is slightly deflated, it flattens out, meaning a larger area of the tire is in contact with the road than usual. The larger the contact area, the more stable and safer the car will be.
Drive more calmly in winter
The harder you press the accelerator pedal, the quicker the battery drains. Your electric vehicle is probably not a racing car or designed for drifting, so why burn rubber and cause screeching tires? Especially in winter, when it’s slippery and wet. Try to gradually increase your speed and conserve the battery. Also, avoid sudden braking. Sudden braking increases the car’s skidding trajectory, so brake slowly whenever possible. Remember that during such braking, your car’s battery is recharged a bit. In winter, you need more lithium-ion energy than in summer.
Keep 3 very useful items in your trunk
In winter, keep three useful items in your trunk:
• A warm blanket
• A phone charging battery – a PowerBank
• Several candles and matches
When you're at home or work, you won't need these items and might not even think about them. However, if you encounter problems in a more remote area during winter, these items could help save your life. You can wrap yourself in the blanket and light a candle to warm up the cabin of your electric vehicle a little. The phone charger will come in handy if you need to wait for help or contact family members.
Your electric vehicle is perfectly suited for winter driving – just remember to approach everything with care and common sense.
