How To Charge Your EV Efficiently During Winter Months
As winter sets in, we have heard that many EV owners notice changes in their vehicle’s performance. It’s all because cold temperatures impact electric vehicle (EV) batteries, reducing range and efficiency.
But now you don’t have to discourage yourself – there are simple steps you can take to ensure your EV runs smoothly, even in freezing conditions. Today, in this guide, we will help you understand how to charge EVs in winter to optimise your driving experience.
At EVC Electrical Installations Ltd, we specialise in providing expert advice and EV charger installations to ensure your EV stays powered and ready, no matter the weather. Contact us today on 01322 761101 or email us at office@evcinstalls.co.uk to learn more about charging your EV efficiently during winter!
At EVC Electrical Installations Ltd, we provide expert solutions to ensure your EV stays efficiently charged and ready, even in the coldest months.
What Are The Challenges Of Using An EV In Winter?
Before we move ahead, let’s show you what challenges you might face as an EV owner in winter. We hope you might find them relatable:
The main issue stems from the cold temperatures affecting the EV’s battery. EV batteries, especially lithium-ion batteries, are designed to operate within a specific temperature range. When the temperature drops, the chemical reactions within the battery slow down, reducing its efficiency. This decreases the electric car battery range, meaning your EV may not go as far on a single charge compared to warmer months.
In addition to the impact on battery performance, the increased use of EV heating systems in your vehicle — such as the cabin heater and the battery heater — consumes extra power. This draws from the available energy in the battery, further reducing the range, particularly on longer journeys.
Furthermore, snow-covered roads and icy conditions increase the rolling resistance on the tyres, requiring more energy to maintain speed.
What Is EV Range?
Now that we have discussed the challenges, you might have seen the word “EV range”, so let’s show you what it is.
The EV range is the number of miles your electric vehicle can travel on a single charge. This range is affected by multiple factors, such as driving conditions, terrain, vehicle load, and temperature. A standard EV can lose anywhere from 10% to 30% of its range in the winter due to the factors above.
Tips To Charge Your EV Efficiently During Winter Months
1. Keep Your EV Plugged In Overnight
One of the easiest and most effective ways to ensure your EV is ready for the winter is to keep it plugged in overnight. When you plug your car in, it allows the battery to stay warmer, preventing it from becoming too cold. Most modern EVs are designed to optimise battery health when plugged in, allowing the battery to stay warm, which ultimately helps maintain the EV’s electric range.
Charging your vehicle overnight can take advantage of off-peak electricity rates, saving you money and ensuring your EV is fully charged and ready to tackle the day’s journey, even in freezing conditions. This also allows for battery maintenance, as the car will use its onboard heating systems to warm the battery while charging.
2. Pre-Condition Your EV While Plugged In
Pre-conditioning your EV, particularly in winter, is an effective way to optimise battery performance. It means warming up the battery and the cabin before you start driving. This can be done while your EV is still plugged in, ensuring the energy comes from the charger rather than depleting your electric car battery.
This practice helps preserve battery life and reduces the energy required for your EV heating system when you’re on the road. It ensures that the battery and cabin are at optimal temperatures, making your EV much more efficient in cold weather.
3. Charge To 80% Rather Than 100%
During winter, it’s best to avoid charging your EV to 100% regularly. While it might seem the best option, charging to full capacity can stress the battery, particularly in cold weather, and impact long-term battery health. Instead, charge your EV to about 80% for daily use. This is sufficient for most people’s daily needs and helps to maximise your EV battery’s lifespan.
Charging to 80% also prevents the battery from being overcharged, reducing wear and tear, which is especially important in winter when the battery is already under stress from lower temperatures.
4. Use Smart Charging To Maximise Efficiency
Take advantage of your EV charging system, which offers smart charging features. Smart chargers can help you schedule your charging times so that your EV charges during off-peak hours when electricity costs are lower. More importantly, they can help you charge your car in a way that reduces strain on your battery during cold weather.
By using smart charging, you can ensure that your car is fully charged when needed while also optimising battery maintenance. Some smart chargers even allow you to control the charging levels and can help preserve your EV electric range by stopping the charge once the battery reaches an optimal level.
Also Read: How To Choose The Right EV Charger
5. Monitor Tyre Pressure Regularly
Although not directly related to charging, tyre pressure is crucial for maintaining an efficient EV in winter. Cold temperatures can cause your tyres to lose pressure, increasing rolling resistance and reducing overall range. Check tyre pressure regularly and keep it within the recommended range.
Maintaining optimal tyre pressure helps improve your electric car battery range and overall vehicle efficiency, allowing you to make the most of each charge. When driving in winter, lower tyre pressure can significantly decrease mileage, so ensure your tyres are well-maintained to prevent this.
6. Use Eco Mode To Conserve Energy
Most modern EVs come equipped with an eco-mode. This feature optimises energy use by limiting the power to non-essential systems such as air conditioning and cabin heating. Eco mode can help conserve EV mileage by reducing the energy consumed by your car, which is particularly helpful in winter.
While eco mode may reduce acceleration and performance slightly, it is an effective way to preserve your range, especially when driving in colder conditions. Using eco mode with other energy-saving practices, such as pre-conditioning and regular charging, will help you maximise your EV during winter.
7. Avoid Rapid Or High-Power Charging
Though using a high-power charger for a quick charge can be tempting, doing so regularly in winter can hurt your EV’s battery. Rapid charging generates additional heat, negatively affecting battery performance in cold weather. Charging your EV at a lower, more controlled rate helps preserve the battery’s longevity, especially during the colder months.
Opting for a standard or slow charge, especially if you’re charging overnight, is a better practice to maintain battery health. Over time, high-power chargers can contribute to quicker wear and tear on your EV’s battery, reducing the overall EV electric range and battery lifespan.
8. Consider Installing An EV Charger At Home Or Workplace
Installing an EV charger at your workplace or home can be a game-changer if you’re looking for maximum convenience. A dedicated charger ensures that your EV is always ready to go and allows you to follow the best charging practices outlined above. Whether you opt for a slow or fast charger, having a home charging station makes monitoring and managing your vehicle’s energy use easier.
Also Read: EV Charging Maintenance Tips
Contact EVC Electrical Installations
Conclusion
By following these simple but effective tips for charging your EV in winter, you can ensure your vehicle performs at its best, maximising your EV electric range and reducing the strain on your battery.
If you need more help or advice on installing a charger or optimising your charging practices, EVC Electrical Installations Ltd is here to help. Contact us today at 01322 761101 or email office@evcinstalls.co.uk for more information.
