When you’re using your phone outdoors in winter, you can see that the battery doesn’t take long to run low. It’s natural – batteries don’t like low temperatures. You could start to wonder if this applies also to electric cars. In fact, it’s not an irrational assumption. But this is not to discourage you from buying an electric car altogether. And why so? Because this is something that can easily be managed. Read on to learn more about it!
In this article you will find out:
- how low temperatures affect the functioning of an electric car,
- how to boost the performance of an electric car in winter,
- what to do to avoid a dead car battery.
How do low temperatures affect the functioning of an electric car?
The main difference between using electric cars in summer and in winter is that in low temperatures these cars have a lower range on a single charge. Based on numerous tests, it was determined that it might be even 80% of the distance you would normally drive in summer.
This is because batteries perform worse in low temperatures. Plus, their charging capacity is lower before they are heated to a sufficient level. A cool battery must first achieve a specific temperature in order to start recharging – cold batteries do not accept a normal charge as permitted by the controlling unit.
Modern electric cars use a technology that helps batteries achieve the required parameters also in low temperatures. But everything comes at a price – the stored energy is assigned to heat up the battery, which comes at an expense of range.
How to boost the performance of electric cars in winter?
The key to success is to ensure the battery achieves the right temperature before you hit the road. If possible, use the auto-starter function and set the time beforehand, or at least switch on the heating a dozen minutes before you start the car. This will consume some energy, but then once the car starts, the energy consumption will be reduced.
You can also save some energy by reducing heating in the driver’s compartment. Try reducing the temperature inside the car by a few degrees, leaving only the heated seat and steering wheel. You will still be comfortable, but you will leave ample energy for your car to drive a few extra kilometres.
It is a good habit in winter to charge an electric car as often as possible. This process helps heat up the battery, which means it will remain more efficient. If you have such an option, plug your car in even during a short stopover. To this end, grab a set of appropriate Green Cell cables. This is to ensure fast, high-power charging. Such gadgets are a must-have in winter!
While trying to keep the battery warm, be careful when choosing a place to park your electric vehicle. Of course, it would be perfect to park in a garage or at least an underground parking lot, but if it’s impossible, make sure you leave your car in a space surrounded by buildings and exposed to sun. Also, don’t forget to remove the snow from your car when needed.
Finally, it’s good to mention one more thing that always improves the range: economic, smooth driving style. If you want your vehicle to go a longer way on a single charge, reduce the speed, avoid rapid changes in speed and don’t come to a sudden halt on traffic lights, if possible. Another thing that matters is the air pressure in the tyres – in low temperatures the pressure might drop, which may result in increases friction, which in turn means greater energy consumption.
Charging an electric car with Green Cell products
As you already know, it’s a good idea to charge your electric vehicle often if you want to improve its performance in winter. That’s why it’s good to get a few Green Cell basics to be able to recharge the battery whenever you need to. The first and most important item is a proper cable, which will help you connect your car to any charging station. Explore the products available in our online store and pick a model that suits your needs!
You may also want to have a look at quick chargers, which can help you arrange your own wallbox at home. This way you can quickly charge your vehicle by connecting it to high-power AC. The battery will be recharged 10 times faster than when plugged into a socket.
Make sure your electric car has all it needs in winter
If you want to improve the performance of your electric vehicle in winter, when it’s exposed to low temperatures, follow the above guidelines. Make good use of Green Cell products, which will be helpful when you want to recharge your car at home or on the road – at any station. Remember to recharge your car battery regularly to make sure your car range remains sufficient also in winter. See the chargers and cables available in Battery Empire!
