How to make your EV a car for all seasons

Winter means lower temperatures and wetter, icier roads. EV drivers need to take a few extra precautions in these conditions.

Look after your battery – even more than usual!

EV batteries operate best between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius – so winter presents a few challenges. In cold weather, home charging can take quite a bit longer than usual, while fast charging can take about 15 minutes longer. Once you’re on the road, the range of certain EV models declines until the battery has warmed up.

How can drivers mitigate this? If possible, always store your car in a temperature-controlled environment during the winter months. You should also take advantage of your EV’s pre-heating features if they’re available. Pre-heating lets you warm your vehicle – and your battery – before you actually get behind the wheel. By the time you’re ready to set off, your car will be nice and warm, and your battery will be at the ideal temperature.

EVs are heavier than equivalent internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. They also have a lower centre of gravity. This means that EV tyres are placed under greater strain. In the winter, you should pay extra attention to the state of your tyres. Deflated tyres are a major hazard in wet or icy conditions, and your EV’s range will also suffer if you don’t keep them pumped up. If you have seasonal tyres, make sure you change to winter tyres on time!

The ice has melted, the sun is shining – but what does this mean for your EV? And what can you do to maintain high performance in the summer months?

In warm temperatures, your EV will have to use energy to cool down the battery – even if you’re not using the car. If you leave your EV unplugged overnight, you can easily lose a few percentage points of charge by morning. So, make sure you keep it plugged in and ready to go! Your EV’s battery management system will stop the car from overcharging – however, we recommend keeping your battery charged at around 90%. You can use your app to control the maximum charging level.

Certain EV models allow you to pre-cool the cabin remotely. This feature uses up power, so it’s best to use it while the EV is still plugged in. With preconditioning, you won’t need to endure those baking hot minutes after getting in the driving seat; you can set off with your car’s interior, and the battery, at the ideal temperature.

This advice applies at any time of year, but it’s especially true in the summer. Too much fast charging causes your battery to heat up, and your EV will have to use up energy to cool it down. This effect is even more pronounced in the summer months, as your EV is already working overtime to keep the battery cool. Don’t rely on fast chargers too much if you want to maintain the health of your battery.

This blog was originally published on leaseplan.com website. The views expressed may no longer be current and any reference to specific vehicles or products is for reference only. This information is not a personal recommendation for any particular vehicle, product or service - if you are unsure about the suitability of a product, you should consult with an expert.