From how you drive to tire pressure, there are plenty of less obvious tips that help improve tram efficiency in the cold months.
With the arrival of winter, electric car owners in cold regions are preparing for a seasonal reduction in autonomy. Low temperatures can significantly decrease battery efficiency, largely due to the chemical composition of lithium-ion batteries, which slows down in cold conditions.
Automotive industry analysts emphasize that loss of range in winter does not necessarily mean a defective vehicle, but rather a predictable seasonal challenge which can be combated and managed with the right strategies.
Precondition the battery
One of the most effective methods is to leave the car in a garage, so that you can do a preconditioning which heats the passenger compartment and the battery while the vehicle is still plugged in. This way, energy is drawn from the electrical grid instead of the battery, ensuring that the vehicle starts each journey at the ideal temperature. Many electric vehicles can reach a full charge in 20 to 30 minutes, and it is recommended that drivers approaching a fast charging station start pre-heating the battery. about 32 kilometers before of arrival for faster loading speeds.
Have a heated steering wheel and seats
Energy management within the cabin also plays a key role. Heating an entire vehicle requires much more energy than use heated seats or steering wheelwhich consume only a fraction of this energy. Drivers can maintain comfort and reduce battery consumption by simply lowering the cabin temperature by a few degrees and using targeted heating, says .
Pay attention to tire pressure
Cold air also reduces tire pressure, increasing rolling resistance and decreasing efficiency. A slight low pressure can reduce autonomy by around 4%making regular tire pressure checks essential in winter. Winter tires can further improve traction and safety on snow and ice, although they may present a small loss in efficiency.
Drive smoothly
Driving behavior is equally important. Using Eco mode helps limit power and smooth acceleration, improving efficiency and safety on slippery roads. Regenerative braking and gradual acceleration can also recover lost energy and reduce consumption.
Plan routes and stops for cargo
For long winter trips, route planning tools are indispensable. They can estimate energy consumption based on temperature, terrain and road conditions, in addition to suggesting stops for charging, which are essential in cold climates, when charging takes longer. Drivers are advised to plan alternative charging options in case their first choice is occupied or unavailable.
Use a heat pump
Finally, understanding heat pump technology is critical for electric vehicle buyers in colder climates. Heat pumps, used in models such as the Tesla Model X and Audi e-tron, can heat the cabin more efficiently than traditional resistive systems.
