EV Cold Weather Performance

The winter months are great for skiing and holiday get-togethers, but they also bring increased hazards on the road due to ice, snow, and freezing temperatures. If you’ve recently bought or leased an electric car, you may be wondering how EVs hold up in the winter months compared to their gas-powered counterparts. Since they run on electric power instead of gasoline, some drivers worry that EVs suffer from decreased performance in cold weather. The short answer is that EVs do perform a bit less efficiently in the winter, but certainly no worse than gas-powered vehicles. The service team at Sun Chevrolet has more details on how to take care of electric cars in winter below–check them out below!

Taking Care of Electric Vehicles in Cold Weather: 10 Tips

The winter months can sometimes lead to a bit of decreased range for your electric vehicle, but fortunately, there are plenty of ways to keep it running in the best condition possible around Oneida and Canastota! Here are the ten best ways to get the most out of your electric car in winter:

1. Keep it parked in a warm garage whenever possible.
2. Set a charging time using your vehicle’s mobile app so your EV charges at the most efficient time of day.
3. Use one-pedal driving whenever possible, as it reduces the amount of power you use to accelerate and brake.
4. Preheat your vehicle while it’s still plugged in, rather than excessively running the heat on the road.
5. On the same note, lower your EV’s heat settings so it won’t waste battery power.
6. Avoid using an electric car in winter that has less than 50 percent charge; the more charge your vehicle has, the more reserve power can heat the battery.
7. If you’re driving solo or with one other passenger, change the heating settings so it only targets the front row of seats, rather than the whole cabin.
8. Always keep your tires inflated to the correct pressure so your vehicle runs at maximum efficiency.
9. Use your vehicle’s “ECON” mode to reduce the energy sent to the motor and heaters.
10. Always keep a backup plan in place if you’re traveling far using your EV, and map out local charging stations before leaving.

Keep Your EV in Top Condition at Sun Chevrolet!

If you have any questions about how to ensure the performance of your electric vehicle in cold weather, feel free to contact our office! You can also stop by our dealership to talk to a member of our service team in person, and we’ll be happy to help you out; we’re just a short drive from Utica. If you want your EV inspected to make sure it’s running properly as we head into winter, schedule a service appointment on our website.