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Top tips for driving in the snow
Whether you’re driving cross-country for a special family gathering or hitting the road for a winter outing, special road trips are as much a part of the holidays as tucking into leftovers. These handy seasonal driving suggestions can help you feel festive and relaxed before you even walk through the door of your destination.
In this article we’ll explore essential tips for driving your EV in the snow, so you can feel range confident and comfortable in less-than-ideal road conditions. Some of them may be familiar from your days driving a gas- or diesel-powered vehicle, some are specific only to EVs, but they’re all useful to know, revisit, and consider.
Take a look.
Nice and steady gives you more control
When the roads are sprinkled with snow and possibly ice, it goes without saying that you need to take things easy. A useful design feature of EVs is that the batteries are placed as close to the ground as possible – this keeps the center of gravity low, which in turn can provide traction and handling capabilities on snow-covered roads. Still, as with all vehicles – both EV and ICE – you’ll want to adjust the way you drive your EV in snowy and icy conditions. Anticipating turns and braking early allow for a smoother, more controlled driving experience (as well as conserving battery power). Leaving more space (about 5-6 seconds) between you and the vehicle in front also makes good sense, especially if visibility is poor.
Get all snow off your windscreen
Always make sure that all windows in your vehicle are free from obstruction when driving in poor weather conditions.
Take care of your tires
As with all vehicles, regular tire checks are crucial all year around, and especially when heading into winter. (Why not set a calendar alarm on your phone for automatic prompts?)
Head to your garage for a quick tread depth and pressure check. Consider checking your tire pressure more often, and before every long drive. Remember that when temperatures are lower, the tread compound in normal tires begins to harden, providing less grip. So, back to that slow and steady pace we’ve talked about.
If you live in an area prone to regular or heavy snow, it may even be worth investing in winter tires. If you’re not sure whether you need one, your local garage again can help you decide if this is right for you.
Look after your EV battery
Here’s a bit of helpful science. Chilly temperatures can temporarily reduce the range – the distance your EV can cover between charging stops – of an electric vehicle. Research from AAA showed that when temperatures dropped to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, driving range was reduced by 12%. This is because lower temperatures can slow down chemical reactions inside the battery, limiting its ability to store and release energy. Additionally, EVs can consume more energy in cold conditions to keep your cabin comfortable and ensure optimal battery performance. The good news is you can counter-balance this with some power-saving tips.
First, consider keeping your EV plugged in when parked. This will help to maintain the battery’s temperature and ensure optimal performance – your battery will charge faster when at its optimal temperature.
Second, it’s a good idea to run pre-conditioning features while still connected to the charging station to help preserve your battery’s energy. As well as providing a comfortable interior temperature to start your journey, it won’t drain the power by using the heating function while you’re driving.
One final thing to remember – if it’s colder out there, you might find charging on the go takes a bit longer too. (How long? That depends on a few factors.) It’s a good idea to build in a buffer of extra time to your journey when charging during snowy days.
Check ahead
If the snow came down thick, it’s worth getting ahead of the game before you hit the road. Check your route for road closures before setting off, and then download our free bp pulse app to see which charging points are available nearest to you, and on your intended route.
Read your manual for the best mode for winter driving
Depending on your make and model of EV, you may find it’s preloaded with some handy features for driving in the snow already. Some EVs have regenerative braking modes for winter, and some include icy weather modes which may help with greater wheel control. It may be suitable for you to use ‘eco mode’ on snowy days as well. The ‘eco’ here stands for ‘economical’ which is when the EV itself calibrates to help extend your range – which could be handy if your EV is doing all it can to keep you and your EV warm and efficient while driving. Check with your specific manual and manufacturer.
Adjust your driving style
When driving in the snow, you will need to adjust your usual driving habits to gain more control on slippery roads. For example, it’s a good idea to ease up on cruise control – on snowy surfaces, cruise control operation can result in a skid or spin, as well as affecting ability to maintain a constant speed.
Additionally, while regenerative braking can be practical in cold weather as it allows you to top up the battery while you’re on the move, helping to extend your range, remember to ease off this altogether in icy weather.
Always be prepared
Before setting out on any journey, it pays to be primed and prepped – and on snowy days especially. Check the weather before you leave and regularly along the way. Ensure you can make a beeline to conveniences you want by checking out our map of bp pulse chargers in advance to get directions to our sites and view available amenities. Download the bp pulse app to help plan your route and easily find the nearest available charging point.
Remember, if the weather’s bad, it’s safer to stick to well-used roads as they’re more likely to be clear of snow and ice. And if you can, try to do the bulk of long-distance driving during the day, so you can preserve your battery by not using your headlights.
Enjoy your holidays, and wishing you safe drives for the season, for some well-deserved rest and family time.
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Date
11 November 2024
author
Ross O'Brien
Director of Operations
bp pulse Americas
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