15.12.2023

Driving an electric car in winter — tips for a safe journey

https://www.elvah.de/blog/elektroauto-fahren-im-winter---tipps-fur-eine-sichere-fahrt

Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular as they are environmentally friendly and have lower operating costs. But what does it look like when it gets cold outside and the roads are slippery? In this article, we'll give you some tips on how to drive your electric car safely and effectively in winter.

Why can driving an electric car be a challenge in winter?

An electric car (also known as Stromer, EV, or BEV) uses a battery to store energy and drive the vehicle. However, it can be more difficult to keep the battery at the right temperature in winter as low temperatures can affect performance. Driving on slippery roads can also be more difficult, as electric cars are often heavier than conventional cars because of the batteries.

Tip #1: Keep the battery warm

One of the most important tasks when driving an electric car in winter is to keep the battery warm. A cold battery can reduce range and impair performance. There are various ways to keep the battery warm, for example by parking the car in a heated garage or a charging station use with a preheating function (preconditioning) to warm up the battery before driving.

Tip #2: Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations

If you park the electric car outside, the temperature can drop quickly and affect battery performance. It is therefore advisable to park the car in a garage to avoid extreme changes in temperature. If that's not possible, you should at least protect the car with a cover to protect it from the cold.

Tip #3: Drive carefully on slippery roads

Electric cars are often heavier than traditional cars due to batteries, which can make driving on slippery roads more difficult. It is therefore important to drive carefully and choose an appropriate speed to reduce the risk of accidents. Using winter tires can also increase safety on slippery roads.

Tip #4: Use heating sparingly

Heating up the interior of an electric car in winter can use a lot of energy and the battery range reduce. It is therefore advisable to use heating sparingly and wear warm clothing instead. Using heated seats instead of interior heating can also help save energy.

Tip #5: Plan your route in advance

In winter, there may be delays or road closures due to snow and ice. It is therefore advisable to plan your route in advance and pay attention to traffic and weather conditions. Even planning for Charging times makes sense.

Conclusion


As you can see, there are a few things to consider in order to travel safely and comfortably with your electric car even in winter. However, with a few simple measures, you can easily enjoy every trip while saving energy and money.

So don't be afraid of winter with your e-car — with the right preparation and driving style, nothing stands in the way of a safe and pleasant journey. Have fun driving!