The drop in temperatures during the winter can directly affect the performance of electric-vehicle batteries causing their autonomy to fall by up to 20%-30%.Vehicles need to consume more energy at lower temperatures to get all their functions up and running, such as warming the car with hot air-conditioning.
That’s why we are offering you some advice today for getting the most out of your electric car in winter and thereby maintaining its autonomy.
Save the energy in your electric car battery during the winter
- Try and keep the battery charged to the full, given that the vehicle’s internal systems, such as its hot air-conditioner, are used more in the winter and directly consume the energy stored in the battery.
- Pre-heat your electric vehicle before you get the engine running, to save energy and increase your vehicle’s autonomy.
- If the battery is not fully charged, park the car in areas that are covered and insulated from the cold, to protect it from low temperatures. That way the car’s interior will remain warm and less energy will be consumed when heating up the interior and switching on the engine.
- Always provide for the battery being minimally charged, as cars need an energy reserve to warm up when the engine is switched on.
Drive with care along icy or snowy roads
Step gently on the accelerator, keep a safe distance and use wheel chains. If there is an accumulation of snow, they will help you to drive your electric car safely. Make sure you use suitable tyres, as electric cars usually have low rolling resistance tyres that may be inconvenient along icy or snowy roads.
Plan your car's charging before you travel
You are advised to keep your battery charged during the winter and you therefore need to plan your routes before you travel.
Check out Endolla Barcelona's charging point network before you get your electric car up and running, where you will find connectors in car parks which let you charge your electric vehicle in a convenient, easy way while protecting from it low street temperatures.