Electric cars are so much fun, offering a futuristic design, impressive driving range, and thrilling rides. Thanks to modern innovation in the industry, these EVs offer a mind-blowing performance with their precise steering feedback and responsive handling. Moreover, these electric cars offer a long driving range with superfast DC fast charging support. These cars offer crazy fast charging support and can charge to 100 percent in minutes. But, things change in winter when these battery-powered cars need attention and care to not damage the battery and have the same thrill. Here are the 10 things to know before driving electric cars in winter in 2023.
10. Winter Is Not The Best Weather For EVs
Right from the bet, you need to know that electric cars are not meant for cold weather conditions, especially the snowy winter. Don’t get me wrong, EVs offer a good range and great drive in almost any weather. To make them work, you need to heat your car before starting and do several other kinds of work before taking it for a spin in winter. These electric cars do offer not the best ride if you won’t take care of some things before going out making it some of the things you need to consider before driving electric cars in winter in 2023.
9. Preheat Your Car Before In Winter
The first thing you’ll need to think about driving electric cars in winter in 2023 is that you’ll need to preheat your car before taking it for a spin. These battery-powered cars need a little push before you take them out on a cold weather day. Batteries need to be in certain weather to work and deliver power efficiency. Almost all EVs come with a heat pump or heating system that you can pre-heat, get the temperature high and drive it.
8. Decreasing Temperature Affects Driving Range
As I told you earlier, electric cars run on a battery that is made up of lithium-ion. Decreasing temperatures will affect your car’s overall driving range as batteries throw power at low temperatures. Electric vehicles lose 41 percent of their driving range in temperatures below 20 degrees. According to several surveys, electric loss of over 18 percent in extreme cold weather conditions.
7. Cold Weather Charging Is Slow
We know that cold weather affects your electric car’s range, but it also slows the charging rate. Electric cars charge at a much faster range during the summers and in mildly cold conditions above 20 degrees. Batteries need a certain kind of temperature to charge at the rate they are supposed to. But due to the decreasing temperature, car batteries often have a loss of energy and their efficiency also goes down. To optimize your battery charging rate, and use electric cars in winter, you should charge it at 80 percent.
6. A Charger Out Might Not Be Good
You know that cold weather decreases your electric car’s battery charging rate and also depleates your car’s range. But putting your home charger out in cold may not be the best decision for you and your car. Look, your car already running low on range and the charging rate is also slow. But having your charging out below normal temperatures may affect your car’s battery health and your overall driver quality.
5. You Need A Car With A Heat Pump
Most electric cars these days come with a heat pump that helps them to remain operational in harsh winter conditions. EVs with heat pumps are battery companions compared to the ones with not. Automakers such as BMW, Tesla, and Rivian come equipped with heat pumps are offers good driving in cold weather conditions.
4. Electric Cars Are A Great Choice For Cold Weather
Compared to gas-powered vehicles, electric cars offer better commuting in winter. EVs offer better driving in their cold weather conditions as they can preheat the car both outside and inside to help you better in driving. To top that off, they are better for the environment as they don’t pollute and are carbon efficient.
3. All-Wheel Drive EVs Are Best In Winters
Choosing an EV is not a tough part for any kind of buyer. But if you need to drive electric cars in winter, then you have to buy one with all-wheel drive. Carmakers like Tesla, Rivian, Kia, Audi, and many others offer electric cars with all-wheel drive. AWD-equipped cars offer more grip and agility while driving and offer good handling with precise steering, unlike gas-powered vehicles.
2. Rivian’s & Tesla’a Are The Best EVs For Winters
I have already told you that electric cars are better for cold weather conditions, and all-wheel drive EVs are the best. But if you want the best driving experience in snow or harsh cold climate, then a Tesla or a Rivian would be the best choice for you. These cars come equipped with heat pumps and offer better ride quality than most cars with their all-wheel drive, more range, and better-charging infrastructure.
1. Driving in Eco Mode Might Be Your Best Chance
Now that you’ve learned the things you should consider while driving electric cars in winter. There is still one left that needs a little attention. Eco mode, if you have bought an electric car and you are driving it in winter, then opt for driving it in eco-mode. Driving in eco-mode helps your car to offer more range, and use less power. Ofcourse there will be some acceleration drops and speed limits, but hey, only lunatics drive fast in winter.