An automotive expert has shared some tips for maintaining electric vehicles as the weather begins to cool.
In cold weather, the lithium ions in the batteries of electric cars (EVs) travel more slowly, reducing the battery capacity and the power available to the vehicles’ motors. An expert in the automotive industry, Louis Rix, has revealed the best practices for taking care of electric vehicle batteries and other components.
You may not have realized it, but the winter months cause a noticeable decrease in the economy of a gasoline-powered vehicle. Over extremely short travels in cold weather, your petrol may have used a quarter more gasoline. However, a decrease in efficiency, and thus, a decrease in range, is much more noticeable to the driver of an electric vehicle.
CarFinance co-founder and chief operating officer Louis believe careful driving may extend the range of electric vehicles by as much as 30 percent in the winter. That’s why all owners want to follow these tips for maintaining electric vehicles.
Keep your speed constant and don’t use the brakes or accelerator too quickly. Louis said today that turning off the radio and not using the heating are two other ways to save electricity.
Keeping your vehicle overnight in a garage or covered parking place might prevent the battery from discharging too quickly. Lacking a garage? Keeping it covered may also help.
The expert also mentioned winter tires as a means for motorists to maintain control when the weather takes a turn for the worse.
Louis elaborated, noting that electric vehicles, depending on where the batteries are located, may have a low center of gravity, which aids traction in the snow, but may also be heavier than gasoline or diesel vehicles, making them harder to handle in slick weather.
Because electricity and water don’t get along, you shouldn’t worry if it rains. Even though electric vehicles are designed to withstand little sprays of water, it’s best to steer clear of flooded roadways.
In addition to these, Louis provided a number of additional suggestions that will come in handy for anyone driving electric vehicles throughout the winter. Here are some of them:
Preconditioning is a function in many electric cars that allows you to warm the car up while charging and before you get in. As long as you have the vehicle plugged in while warming it up, you won’t have to worry about using too much juice. You can even control certain systems from the comfort of your own home.
To put it simply, regenerative braking is a system in which the electric motor doubles as a generator whenever you use the brakes. The surplus power is sent back into the battery to be used later. The battery may last longer if you use this feature in the cold.
Many electric vehicles also include the useful feature of eco-mode, which may be used while driving in subzero temperatures. Lowering the amount of power sent to the driving engine or the cabin warmers, may save energy and improve fuel economy.
Your electric vehicle can still be charged, but it will take longer to charge overnight and for quick charging to take effect in cold weather. When temperatures are low, charging overnight might take two or three additional hours. Remembering this since charging outlets may also be disrupted and charging while on the road will take longer. As a precaution, you shouldn’t let your battery die entirely.
Most of the recommendations for keeping a gasoline or diesel automobile running in the winter also apply to an electric vehicle. Keeping your automobile clean, with full anti-freeze and, most importantly, a fully charged battery is essential. Just do what you normally would if snow or ice built up on your windshield. Absolutely, you can charge your EV in any condition. Electric vehicles and charging stations are both designed to resist rain, with protective layers and covering shields to keep water out and avoid damage.
