It is no secret that cold weather takes a toll on most vehicles, electric or not. But electric cars have additional considerations when it comes to winter driving. Read our tips for maintaining electric cars in cold weather to help ensure you get the most out of your EV.
Do Electric Cars Work in Cold Weather?
First of all, you may be wondering: do electric vehicles even work in cold temperatures? The short answer is yes. The long answer is yes, but not as efficiently as they do in warmer temperatures. This is for a few simple reasons:
Cold Weather Slows Battery Energy Output
When you use your electric car’s lithium ion battery, a series of chemical reactions is taking place that releases energy. Cooler temperatures slow these chemical reactions down. This means that the battery is operating with slightly less efficiency than in the warmer months.
Electric Engines Use Energy to Heat the Cabin
Traditional internal combustion engines generate quite a bit of heat during operation, a lot of which can be filtered into the cabin to keep it comfortable. The more efficient electric engines, on the other hand, do not generate enough heat to sufficiently warm up the car. Rather, the car heaters draw energy directly from the battery, further reducing efficiency and range.
How Much Range is Lost By Electric Cars in Cold Weather?
- The exact answer to this question depends on a few things, including:
- Where you are driving (highway vs city)
- The brand of EV
- Whether or not you are using the heater
- The degree of coldness (the colder the temperature, the greater the range loss)
In general, however, most cars lose between 25 and 30 percent of their range in cold temperatures. The Mercedes EQS 450+, for example, gets around 72 percent of its combined mild weather range in winter (that is still 329 miles, which is still about 20 miles longer than a Tesla Y Long Range model in the summer).
Tips for Driving Electric Cars in Cold Weather
Prepare for Range Loss
Range loss is a fact of life for electric cars in cold weather. Plan your trips ahead and assign your battery a range of 30 percent less to be on the safe side.
Pack An Emergency Kit
As with gas-powered cars, you will want to prepare for emergencies by stocking your vehicle with blankets, water, a flashlight (and extra batteries), windshield scraper, and a multi-tool. Make sure your cell phone is charged before you head out.
Pre-Condition Your Car
It is easier for your car battery to keep an already-warm car cabin heated. Whenever possible, warm up your car while it is still plugged in to the home charger. This is called “preconditioning” the vehicle, and it will help you avoid range loss in cold weather.
Keep Warm Without the Heater
Once your vehicle is preconditioned, try to keep warm using features like the heated steering wheel or a heated seat. These require considerably less energy to function.
Slow Charge Your EV Whenever Possible
While occasional top ups with fast-charging DC stations will not harm your battery, slow charging an electric car allows ample time for ion stabilization. Because of this, it is thought that slow charging is healthier for the battery overall. Try to limit your DC charging, especially in the colder months.
You will also want to try to keep your charge range between 10 percent and 85 percent. Fully charging or fully depleting the battery can also shorten its lifespan.
Perform Routine Maintenance for Electric Cars in Cold Weather
Although electric cars require less general maintenance than gas-powered vehicles, they still need attention to perform optimally:
- Check tires for tread and proper air pressure. If recommended, install winter tires for the season.
- Replace windshield wipers, front and back
- Replace air cabin filter
- Top up coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid
Mercedes Benz EQ Service and Maintenance
With the proper prep and maintenance, you can drive your electric vehicle without any issues this winter. If you have any questions regarding your Mercedes-Benz EQ, stop by our dealership in Littleton. Our skilled technicians will ensure your luxury electric vehicle is ready for the Colorado winter.
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