In 2021, the sale of electric cars doubled to 6.6 million. Electric cars are becoming popular and an eco-friendly mode of transportation, but like all vehicles, they require proper care and maintenance to function.
This is especially important for those who drive electric cars in cold weather or planning to buy an electric vehicle. Lower temperatures attribute to about 35% loss of EV range in cold weather.
If you notice that your electric car has decreased its driving range and you’re forking out extra cash for repairs on your electric vehicle, then this article is particularly essential for you.
We’ll explore how to take care of your electrical vehicles in cold weather to avoid putting strain on your lithium-ion batteries. Read on to learn a few tips on how to take care of it in cold weather.
Keep Your Battery Charged
As temperatures begin to drop, cold weather can significantly decrease the range and performance of an electric car. This may cause damage to the battery. But, by keeping the battery charged, you can help protect your electric car from damage during the colder months.
When the temperature dips below freezing, the chemical reactions within the battery slow down, reducing its capacity to hold a charge. Unlike gas vehicles, this can lead to a decrease in range and performance, as the battery is unable to provide as much power to the car.
Additionally, the cold weather can cause the battery to discharge faster, leading to a need for more frequent charging.
To mitigate these issues, it is vital to frequently charge an electric car battery during cold weather. This can be achieved by plugging in your electric car whenever possible, especially when it is not in use. Even if you do not need a full charge, keeping the battery above a certain level can help prevent damage and maintain performance.
Use a Block Heater
Cold weather can be hard on electric cars, especially when it comes to their batteries. The low temperatures can cause the battery to lose capacity and become less efficient, which can affect the range of the car and its performance. To protect electric cars in winter from damage and avoid the expensive cost to charge an electric car, the block heater can be a helpful tool.
A block heater is a device that is installed in the engine block of a car to provide more warmth during cold weather. It works by heating the engine coolant, which in turn warms up the engine and the rest of the car. This helps to improve the performance and efficiency of the car, especially in cold temperatures.
In addition to protecting the battery, a block heater can also help to extend the range of an electric car in cold weather. When the battery is cold, it can lose capacity and become less efficient, which can affect the range of the car. By using a block heater, the battery is kept warm and at optimal performance, helping to extend its range.
Preheating the Cabin
When the weather is cold, the battery in your electric vehicle can drain faster, which can lead to decreased performance and even damage to the battery. Preheating the cabin helps to warm up the battery and other components of the car, which can improve performance and extend the life of the battery.
To preheat the cabin, you can use the heating system in your car, which will draw power from the battery. While this may seem counterintuitive, as you're using more energy to heat the cabin, it's more efficient to do this before you start driving. This is because the battery will be at a higher temperature, which will allow it to perform better and use less energy.
Additionally, preheating the cabin can help to make your ride more comfortable, especially on those cold winter mornings. No one wants to climb into a cold car and try to warm up while driving, so preheating the cabin can help to make your journey more enjoyable. The size and category of the preheating system depend primarily on the types of electric cars you invest in.
Keep an Eye on Tire Pressure
When the temperature drops, tire pressure tends to decrease as well. This can lead to several problems, including reduced traction and increased tire wear. If the tire pressure is too low, the tires will not be able to grip the road as well, which can lead to dangerous situations such as slipping and sliding on icy roads.
To prevent these issues, check the tire pressure of your electric vehicles in cold weather. The recommended tire pressure for your specific car can be found in the owner's manual or on the sidewall of the tire. Make sure to check the tire pressure when the tires are cold, as the pressure can increase as the tires warm up.
Besides checking the tire pressure, it is also a good idea to invest in winter tires for your electric cars in snow. Winter tires are designed to provide better traction on snow and ice, which can be especially important in areas with harsh winter weather conditions.
Protect Your Car from the Elements
Cold weather can be hard on your electric car, so take steps to protect it from the elements. This may include covering your car or parking it in a garage to shield it from the cold and snow.
it’s also a good idea to have your car inspected and serviced before the winter weather hits, to ensure that all systems are functioning and there are no underlying issues.
Is It Safe To Drive Electric Cars in Cold Weather?
Like any other vehicle, electric cars in cold weather are prone to mechanical challenges, particularly those driven in cold weather. Ultimately, an electric car owner can prevent this by being mindful of potential issues and taking necessary precautions to protect an electric car in cold weather.
Is your electric car damaged because of cold weather? Nexus Auto Transport is the best option for your electrical car repair and maintenance. We offer a wide range of transport shipping solutions, from door-to-door services to shipping cars to other states to towing an electric car, we have got you covered.
If you need auto shipping this winter season, be sure to get a quote. To know more about “electric vs. gas car” or “electric car subsidy”, call us at 224-218-2949.
