Ford electric vehicles, just like their gas-powered counterparts, are intensely tested in brutal conditions to make sure that they can stand up to the many different needs and lifestyles of Ford customers. However, it is an unavoidable fact of electric vehicles that cold weather affects their battery chemistry and can limit a vehicle’s available power and range. While driving an EV means that this is just something you’ll have to expect when the temperature drops below about 40° Fahrenheit, there are steps you can take to help improve your vehicle’s functioning during the winter months! Here are some of the things you can do.
Park Inside
Parking your car inside your garage or in any sheltered space will make a difference in the temperature of your vehicle, even if the structure isn’t heated. This can help to improve your battery function!
Stay Charged
During the winter, you should keep your vehicle plugged in whenever possible when you’re parked. Doing this provides the vehicle with enough energy to run the thermal management system, and it also helps to preserve your long term battery health!
Pre-Condition Before Driving
Electric vehicles don’t necessarily need to be warmed up like some gas vehicles do, but it can be helpful to run the heaters and warm the inside of the vehicle while it’s still plugged in, especially before long drives. This brings the car to a comfortable temperature while pulling power from the grid instead of the battery, allowing you to get on the road with a full charge that you won’t have to deplete running the heating.
Use Alternative Heating
The heater in your EV can eat up a large amount of energy. Preconditioning and using alternate heating sources, like the heated seats or the heated steering wheel, can help save energy for driving on a trip where you need the range, since heated seats or steering wheels use much less energy.
Clear Snow Off Before Driving
Anything you can do to reduce drag and weight on your vehicle will make a difference in terms of how far a single charge will take you, and leftover snow on your vehicle can be a big source of weight and drag. Make sure to clear it off, for safety and for efficiency’s sake!
Check Your Tire Pressure
Underinflated tires lessen the efficiency of electric vehicles as well as gas powered ones. Now that it’s getting colder, it’s a good time to check your tire pressures and ensure that they’re at appropriate levels for your vehicle!
With these simple considerations, you should be able to enjoy the coming winter in your Ford electric vehicle! If you are interested in more information about Ford EVs, contact us at Dunphy Ford with your questions!
