5 Proven Tips To Boost The Range and Efficiency of Your Electric Car in Winter
5 Proven Tips To Boost The Range and Efficiency of Your Electric Car in Winter
Posted on November 13, 2023
Winter can be tough on cars, especially electric ones. They require special attention to keep their range and efficiency up during the colder months. Here are five proven tips to improve EV range and help you get the most out of your electric car this winter.
Preheat Your Car Before Driving
One of the biggest drains on an electric car's battery is heating the cabin. However, preheating your vehicle before driving can help reduce the amount of energy needed to warm it up while driving. This can be easily achieved with many electric cars having a preheat function on their display screen or through a smartphone app.
One tip to maximize the preheating process is to first focus on heating the seats, side mirrors, and steering wheel. This allows the occupants of the car to stay warm without the need for heating the entire cabin. Once the occupants are comfortable, shift the heat to the cabin to ensure a comfortable driving experience.
Do Not Drive Aggressively and Use Eco-Mode
Driving aggressively can drastically reduce an electric car's range. Slamming on the accelerator and brakes, speeding, or quick acceleration in low traction environments can impact your car's battery life and range. To increase electric car range, maintain a consistent speed and keep a safe distance from other vehicles. This could help save your car battery's life and improve driving safety.
Using eco-mode will also help your vehicle maximize its range by providing a smoother and more gradual acceleration experience. This can help save battery power and increase the vehicle's overall range. The eco-mode offers a more relaxed driving experience while maximizing efficiency.
Use Performance/Winter Tires
Investing in proper EV tires is another way to maintain range and efficiency during the winter. Many electric car owners use summer tires throughout the year, but changing to winter-specific tires can provide better traction, grip, and overall performance. The performance or winter-specific tires are designed to provide improved handling in cold and slippery conditions and reduce rolling resistance, leading to an increase in range.
Do Not Park the Vehicle Outside
Parking your electric car outside during cold weather can decrease its range and battery life. Cold weather reduces battery performance, and parking it outside in sub-zero temperatures can lead to malfunctions. The longer an electric vehicle sits idle in the cold, the more battery power is lost due to the battery's self-discharge.
If you park your car outside, consider investing in a car cover or park it in a garage to keep it warm and maintain its overall health. This will help keep your car's battery operating at peak performance and improve your overall range.
Charge Well Before Driving or in the Idle State
When you plug in an electric car, it's essential to let the battery reach a full charge before driving. This helps ensure the vehicle has the maximum range available. Ideally, charging the car idle can help save energy and reach a full charge.
Charge times can be affected by extremely cold weather, so it's best to plan accordingly and leave plenty of time to charge the car before setting out on your journey. The charging time of the vehicle depends on the vehicle's make and mode, and it is advisable to check the Nissan EV range guide for charging instructions.
Reserve Nissan EV Maintenance Today!
Maintaining an electric car in winter can be challenging, but with these five proven EVE car range improvement tips, you can keep your car performing at its peak. If you want to purchase a Nissan EV, Myers Kanata Nissan is the official and best Nissan dealership in Kanata, offering the best prices and financing. Reserve your favourite Nissan EV today and prepare for the winter season.