Driving tips for winter commuting with your electric car
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With the busy holiday season and long nights, winter increases the risk of accidents. Weather conditions can be treacherous, with snow and ice making driving more difficult.
Navigating the roads can be difficult when driving an electric vehicle (EV), especially for new owners. Remember these five points when driving your electric car on a snow-covered road.
Keep the car warm
EV drivers should remember to keep their cars warm before hitting the road. Most vehicles need warming up to help the engine and transmission run fluids properly. Similar protocols apply to electric vehicles.
Battery-powered vehicles must be kept warm because cold temperatures force them to work harder. You can get a battery-powered snow shovel in the winter months and ensure that snow does not accumulate around the wheels and engine. Not only will this cause your car to get cold and damage your electricity, but the salt and grit in the snow can also damage your car. Starting your electric car in the morning when temperatures are still freezing means the battery is working hard to warm up.
The car drains energy, reducing its availability for driving. Charging your electric vehicle should be a top priority in the winter. Drivers should clean snow and ice off their vehicles or keep them inside a climate-controlled garage.
Prepare yourself and your electric car
Another tip before hitting the road is to prepare yourself and the car. Start by checking road conditions, whether through local media, the National Weather Service, or with your own eyes. You can also pre-condition your electric car by warming it up while it’s plugged in and charging.
This method saves time and conserves the energy you need while driving.
Maintain a constant speed
Drivers should use more caution than usual when extremely cold conditions occur. Snow and ice can reduce traction, increasing the possibility of accidents. The best advice EV operators can follow is to drive slowly. The reduced grip means braking and cornering are more difficult than they were in the summer. One aggressive movement can cause the car to spin.
Driving at a constant speed in winter is crucial in an electric car because the battery is working again. It works harder to warm up in cold conditions and has to do the same when driving. Higher speeds mean limiting your electric vehicle’s range and could lead to problems on the road. The last thing you want is to get stuck in the snow in an unfamiliar area.
Get a heat pump
EV drivers can help their cars with a heat pump, which replaces a traditional air conditioning (AC) system and consumes less energy. They have been around since 2013 and can benefit these compounds greatly.
Heat pumps use a cooling circuit and absorb heat from the atmosphere to blow into the cabin. These devices could extend the range of electric vehicles in the winter while keeping drivers and passengers warm.
Winter tire installation
One disadvantage of electric vehicles is their weight. The battery of this heavy machine adds more weight to the vehicle, reducing its grip even further. This factor can be detrimental in snowy weather, and one way to alleviate this concern is to get winter tires.
All-season versions can work, but winter tires have a softer compound that rides well on slippery roads. Using them means there is less chance of rotation.
Driving safely in the snow
Electric vehicles symbolize sustainability in travel. In the winter, you should take extra steps to ensure you drive safely in one of these vehicles. Remember these five points before rushing through the snow.
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