Electric vehicle (EV) owners face several challenges during winter, one of which is snow emergencies such as blizzards.
The truth is, EVs don’t do very well in cold weather such as during winter, because the batteries are expected to deliver more energy than in normal weather.
More heat is required to warm the cabin or defrost, and to maintain optimal battery temperature. With these demands, the range — the distance the car can travel before the battery dies — reduces significantly, making the season a nightmare for EV drivers.
While there’s nothing you can do to stop the weather as an EV driver, you can take precautions to reduce the effects of cold weather on your EV and maximize its performance.
In this guide, we’ll show you practical steps you can take to keep your EV moving in a blizzard, which is one of the most dreaded conditions for EV drivers.
EV Challenges in Snowy Weather
As stated earlier, EVs face certain challenges in snowy or cold weather, which include the following.
Lower battery performance
During cold weather and especially when it is snowy, your EV finds it hard to maintain battery power because there is more demand for energy under such conditions.
The temperature affects the chemical processes that lead to the power distribution, so there’s limited output, which affects the battery’s efficiency.
As a result, the range of the car reduces significantly. Studies show that an EV can lose 5% to 45% of its range in cold weather, depending on the battery size, the car make, and driving habits.
Charging difficulties
EV batteries charge slower in cold weather because low temperatures tamper with the processes that enable charging.
The battery also requires a certain temperature to charge, which is difficult to attain in cold weather without reducing the battery’s efficiency.
According to research, charging in cold weather takes nine minutes longer not including warming time compared to normal weather.
It is also more difficult to find charging stations in extreme weather, which further compounds the problem.
Traction and stability concerns
EVs usually have better weight distribution and handling on icy roads than gasoline vehicles, which is an advantage.
However, driving in snowy weather can still be a challenge if the traction is not sufficient. Your tires can worsen the already bad situation of your EV in cold weather if you don’t take care.
How to prepare your EV for the Blizzard
As much as the concerns with EVs in snowy weather are real, you can take the following measures ahead of the blizzard to reduce their effects on your EV.
Battery management
One of the best ways to prepare your EV for a blizzard is to manage the battery well. You can do this by charging it to optimal levels, i.e. to 80-90% capacity. This is because charging it to 100% can shorten the battery’s lifespan.
You may also avoid battery drain by keeping your EV plugged in cold weather, so that you’ll have a charged battery when you’re ready to drive.
Tire maintenance
As stated earlier, snowy weather affects the performance of EVs, therefore there is need for precaution as well. You can prepare by getting winter tires that are specially made for better grip in snowy weather.
Also ensure that the tire pressure is at an optimal level at all times, as this can also make the car more efficient and save the battery.
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Carry extra kits
In extremely cold weather, anything can go wrong with an EV, so you need to make extra provision for kits you may require in an emergency.
This may include thermal blankets, portable chargers, and traction mats, as well as regular first aid kits for any journey you’re going on.
Final thoughts
Whether you’re a current EV driver or an intending one, cold weather can be a major concern in your driving experience.
However, by implementing this guide, you’ll be able to keep your car on the road and maximize its use despite the cold weather.
If you find this guide helpful, you should consider sharing it with other EV users to help them. Also feel free to check our other guide on how you can increase your range in cold weather.
