public charging
What to know about driving an EV in the winter
Winter weather can throw up a few unexpected driving challenges for even the most seasoned EV owners, and if you’re new to the electric world and going into your first holidays as an EV driver, you might be wondering where to start. Winter tires? Battery temperature? Charging tips in cold weather? Don’t stress – we’re here to explain some practical tips for owners looking to drive in winter weather conditions – including how to get the best from your battery performance, plan routes and make the most of your EV’s features.
1. Smoothly does it
In slippery or icy conditions, it’s crucial to drive smoothly and avoid sudden acceleration, braking, or sharp turns. This not only improves your EV’s traction, but also helps conserve battery power.
2. Give yourself space
In winter weather – or if your visibility is reduced – increase your following distance from 3-4 seconds to 5-6 seconds. This extra distance gives you more time to react to unexpected situations and reduces the need for sudden braking on slippery or icy surfaces.
3. Think traction
It might be worth investing in winter tires specifically designed for cold weather conditions. These tires offer better traction and grip on icy or snowy roads to enhance your EV’s safety and stability – for a second opinion, you can ask a reputable local garage, and we’d also recommend checking with your car insurer about any policies they might have regarding winter tires.
Most modern EVs also come with stability control systems that help you keep control on slippery surfaces. Remember, every car is different, so take the time to get to know your EV to make sure these systems are activated and working correctly.
4. Warm up
Your EV’s battery will come with an ideal temperature range, which is when it works most efficiently (check your manual for this.) As a rule of thumb, it’s generally between 68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. So, on a cold winter day, your battery might not be at its preferred temperature. Handily, you can warm it up before you hit the road. Many electric vehicles have a pre-conditioning feature that allows you to warm up the cabin and battery while the car is still plugged in. This feature means that your battery can start the journey at an optimal temperature to improve efficiency and range.
5. Cool it on the heating
Unsurprisingly, heating the cabin uses up a lot of energy, which can reduce your EV’s range. To improve battery performance, try to warm yourself rather than the whole cabin by wearing an extra layer or using the heated seats.
6. Plan ahead
Just as you prepare for the holidays – booking time off, buying presents – it’s worth preparing for festive road trips, too. Stay on top of weather conditions along your route by using weather apps or websites to check for updates, road closures and potential hazards before heading out. In winter weather it’s safer to stick to well-traveled roads that are more likely to be cleared of snow and ice – reducing the risk of getting stuck. Whenever possible, plan your trips during daylight hours for better visibility, a clearer view of road conditions and less reliance on your headlights, which use up battery.
And when it comes to planning your trips? Use our free app to identify charging spots on your route, and our map of bp pulse chargers to get directions and check available or nearby amenities.
7. Allow for extra charging time
In cold weather, remember that charging times may increase a little. Have a flexible mindset, allow for longer charging sessions, and plan your journey accordingly. You may, for example, want to charge somewhere that’s near a store, so you can take advantage of longer charging with a chance to stock up on last-minute gifts. A few minutes of research now could help inject a little delight into your holiday charging.
8. Ease up on regenerative braking
Using cruise control when driving in snowy, icy, or rainy conditions can affect your vehicle’s ability to maintain a constant speed. AAA advises that on wet roads, cruise control set at too fast a speed could cause the vehicle to hydroplane. Or on low-traction surfaces like ice and snow, cruise control can result in a skid or spin. Drive safe and avoid using cruise control on slippery roads.
9. Top up to beat dropping temperatures
Avoid letting your battery charge drop too low in extremely cold weather. A lower state of charge can reduce the battery’s ability to deliver power and may even lead to decreased range. So, show Santa what a good EV driver you are, and keep that battery topped up at between 20-80% as a rule of thumb. That’s the optimum range for battery charge.
Remember the ABC approach – Always Be Charging – and take those charging opportunities as and when they come.
10. Prepare for the unexpected
It always pays to be ready for anything. Prepare an emergency kit for your EV, including items like blankets, a torch, a first-aid kit, and extra warm clothing. Having these essentials can be a lifesaver in case of unexpected delays or breakdowns. At the less extreme end of the scale, it also pays to have alternative routes and charging options in mind in case of unexpected road closures or charging station outages. And remember, the bp pulse app can help with your planning, so make sure you download it before winter sets in.
Go further
Find bp pulse public charging locations
We’re working to build out fast, reliable chargers in accessible locations across the country. Whether you’re commuting to work or driving coast to coast, we’re developing a national network that’s designed for you.
Date
11 November 2024
author
Ross O'Brien
Director of Operations
bp pulse Americas
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