When temps drop below 40 degrees, this negatively impacts your electrical vehicle’s charging ability as charging power is reduced. If you are not careful, your vehicle’s driving range will decrease. To ensure your commutes go smoothly during the winter, you need to implement the five tips below.
1. Plan Ahead for Longer Charging Times
Electrical vehicle (EV) batteries take longer to charge during cold weather. In fact, studies have shown that EV batteries take in approximately 36% less energy when temperatures are below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Because cold weather causes electrical vehicle batteries to take longer to charge, you need to plan ahead for longer charging times. You need to factor in these charging times whether you are taking a daily commute or a cross-country road trip.
2. Plan Vehicle Charges
Along with planning for longer charging times, you also need to plan your vehicle charges. Map out where public charging stations are located to avoid losing driving range. Planning charging stops is especially important if you will be driving long distances. You can download apps devoted to helping electrical vehicle owners find charging stations so that it’s easier to plan your charges. Some examples of useful apps for locating public electric vehicle charging stations are PlugShare, ChargePoint, Electrify America, ChargeHub, and EVgo.
3. Park Your Vehicle Indoors Whenever possible
Whenever possible, park your vehicle indoors. If you park your vehicle inside a garage where temperatures are higher, you will help your vehicle charge quicker and hold its charge longer. To avoid parking outside, locate indoor parking garages along your travel routes. You can find parking garages by performing a simple search online.
4. Get to Know Your Electrical Vehicle’s Cold Weather Features
Check if your vehicle has a feature that allows you to warm its battery to higher temperatures. Some electrical vehicles have a preconditioning feature that enables drivers to heat up their vehicle batteries manually or program times when batteries will be heated automatically. This feature does draw power from your vehicle’s battery; however, using this feature will improve your driving range since it will maximize your battery’s efficiency.
5. Install an EV Charger at Your Home
Because vehicle charging can take longer during the winter, you will want to have an EV charger installed at your home. Having your own EV charger will allow you to take as long as you need to charge your vehicle without the worry of racking up charging costs. Additionally, you will not have to feel stressed you are depriving someone else of charging time.
By implementing the above tips, you can rely on your electrical vehicle even when temps drop to their coldest. If you want to make sure you are getting the most out of your electrical vehicle no matter what the weather is doing outside, contact Electrical Vehicle Charging Solutions & Installations for electrical vehicle charging solutions and installations in Rochester, MN.
