Dec 14, 2022
Tips for driving an electric vehicle in winter
Canadian consumers want to know if electric vehicles can handle our harsh winters. Although electric vehicles are common in other cold countries, Canadians are concerned about how well even some of the best electric vehicles can do when the temperature drops.
If you currently own an EV or plan to make the switch in the next couple of years, here is what you can expect to drive an electric vehicle in winter. Don’t forget to pick up a new set of snow tires to lower your electric car insurance for the season!
Are electric cars good for winter?
Like all vehicles that have to face winter driving, harsh road conditions and frigid temperatures, electric cars are no different. It’s worth considering that electric trucks are available, and consumers are gaining more confidence in the ability of EVs to get drivers through winter outside of city regions.
Is it safe to drive an electric vehicle in freezing conditions?
Yes, it is safe to drive an electric vehicle even in freezing conditions. There is no risk of damaging the batteries from harsh weather. Batteries are designed to use less power than fuel vehicles because there are no liquid components.
Do electric cars get affected by the cold?
Similar to gas cars, lower temperatures affect how fast the battery can heat up. The issue is how EVs perform in the winter, but the impact the cold has on the battery. Winter weather impacts EVs because the battery can produce less current – if it is not charged fully, it can become depleted faster. When the weather is cold, you also have the heat on, which can reduce the battery range. According to a report by CBC, EV range in the winter can drop around 30%. It’s important to note that the battery decrease is from the added power demands, not how the car operates in the winter.
Why does cold weather affect electric vehicle range?
Cold weather can slow down a battery's chemical and physical reaction, leading to a slower charge. As we mentioned above, the fact that the range lowers in cold weather is because the car relies on the battery for heating systems. Consumer Reports found that, “EV batteries lose range not because of how the cold weather affects the physical battery but because of the added power demands that come from operating the car in cold weather.”
How do I maximize my EV range in the winter?
It’s well known that EV’s lose their range in the winter. According to CAA Quebec, the Nissan Leaf, for example, VEQ calculates that its average range decreases by about 25% at -15°C, and about 45% once it’s -25°C. However, with a few simple tips, you can maximize your electric vehicle range in the winter.
- Proper charging : Plan ahead to ensure your car has a full charge – this may mean charging overnight at a low setting or planning your route so your car has time to charge.
- Adapt your driving : When driving in the winter, aim to accelerate less quickly and drive slowly.
- Warm up : In the morning while your car is still plugged in, turn on the heat for 15-30 minutes. This can not only warm up the cabin and defrost the windshield, but also warm up the battery which can maximize the driving range.
- Use Eco Mode : Eco mode can help boost mileage with reduced energy supply to the motor and cabin heater. Most vehicles will drive slower with eco mode, which is ideal for snowy roads.
- Check tires : Always ensure all four winter tires are properly inflated – the colder it gets the lower your PSI can get.
- Use seat heaters : By using your seat and steering wheel heaters, you can maintain an efficient battery and consume less electricity.
- Park in a garage : If possible, park your EV in a garage for the winter. This can help keep the battery charged longer since it’s in a warmer location.
Tips to get your electric vehicle ready for winter
To ensure your EV is ready for winter, you can prepare by following a few steps. Aside from ensuring your vehicle has proper wiper blades and seasonal car maintenance, you can winterize an EV by following these tips.
- Giving the vehicle a proper charge : Charge your vehicle indoors when possible or set the charging to slow charge overnight. This will ensure your battery is pre-conditioned and ready to go whenever you need it.
- Snow tires : Snow tires are a must for electric vehicles. They will improve traction and braking time – overall safety and road performance can be improved with four wheels of snow tires. Check them weekly to ensure the PSI meets the manufacturer’s required amount.
- Washer fluid : EVs still require washer fluid rated for the lowest temperature you will be driving in – always have an extra jug in the car and fill up before you hit the road.
- Bundle up : Since your electric vehicle uses battery power to heat up the cabin, ensure you are bundled up for the road.
- Lubrication : Ensure the transmissions and wheel bearings are lubricated with winter appropriate synthetic oil to keep things moving slowly.
Winter safety items to keep inside your electric vehicle
You’ll always want to ensure you have a few key items in the truck of your car in case of an emergency. Here is a list of items to keep in your EV over winter :
- Ice scraper and de-icer.
- Consider installing a charger inside your garage.
- Torch and spare batteries.
- A fully charged mobile phone.
- A portable power bank.
- First aid kit.
- An extra set of warm clothes and a blanket.
- Non-perishable snacks.
- A portable snow shovel.
It is also worth looking into CAA Roadside Assistance just in case anything happens on the road.
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Benefits of a winter proof EV charger
Canadians see extremes of good and bad weather. If you have an electric vehicle, selecting a charger engineered for low temperatures is highly recommended. Chargers should be weather resistant and withstand temperatures under 0°.
Outdoor installations should be a hardwired 240V station. You’ll want one that is enclosed and provides protection from the elements. Hardwired options provide better weather protection for the power connection.
Smart charges can allow you to schedule charging from the comfort of your home. You can also charge the vehicle outside peak electricity hours to save money, and choose a slower charge, which is ideal for the battery in cold weather.
Electric vehicles in winter FAQs
Canadians can drive hybrid vehicles in the winter – batteries can perform well in low temperatures. Note that fuel economy can decrease by 20-35% in winter, and batteries can drop their range by 40% in the winter. All it takes is some planning ahead and proper winter maintenance, and you’ll conquer anything winter throws your way, even with a hybrid.
It is highly recommended to warm up electric cars before driving because it can help improve the range. You can either turn on the heat while it’s charging or simply keep it plugged in before you begin your commute in Canada.
When possible, you should park your electric car in a garage for the winter. By keeping the vehicle warmer, you’ll spend less time (and battery power) warming it up before you hit the road.
