Electric cars in winter: what to expect?
11 November 2020
Whether we like it or not, winter is upon us! As a result, we are frequently asked questions about the performance of electric cars in winter. To answer all your questions, BEQ Technology takes a look at some of the key facts you should know.
Electric cars in winter: what you need to know
GETTING STARTED
Do electric cars adapt to Quebec winters? Much more than you might think! Unlike a gasoline-powered car, the engine of an electric car is not affected by the cold because no liquid is in contact with its components. The electric car will therefore have absolutely no difficulty starting even in the coldest temperatures.
THE HEATING
The heater can be quite energy consuming. It can consume up to 25% of the battery’s autonomy. Fortunately, a few smart tips will help you maximize the range of your electric car while staying comfortable and warm.
One of the advantages of driving an EV in the winter is that you can pre-warm the car before you leave while it’s still plugged in to the charger. This means you can use electricity from home instead of the battery and leave home or work with a fully charged battery and a perfectly tempered car. Once the car is preheated, the heating system will only have to maintain the temperature, which requires much less energy. Moreover, the heating mode does not generate any pollution and it is instantaneous in an electric car, no need to wait for the engine to warm up before getting heat.
Also, it is interesting to know that the heated steering wheel and the heated seats consume less energy than the heating of the cabin. They offer a great alternative to keep you warm. If you are alone in your vehicle, you can heat the driver’s side only.
RECHARGE
In winter, it is quite normal to notice a decrease in the autonomy of an electric car during cold temperatures. On average, you lose 10% to 40% of your range depending on various factors: your driving, your use of the heater, road conditions and the outside temperature.
This is why you need to recharge your car more often than usual. In 90% of the cases, charging is done at home, so it is not a problem if you have a charging station at home. If the car is sheltered in a heated garage, for example, it’s even better. A frozen battery is less efficient, loses energy faster and recharges more slowly. If left uncharged for too long in very cold weather, it could even be damaged. If you are charging your car outside, remember to protect your gun and the charging port from snow or ice. Don’t leave the cable lying around on the ground to prevent it from getting covered in snow. You will avoid the risk of breaking it with your car or a snowblower.
As you can see, electric cars are well adapted to our winters. In addition, they even offer several advantages compared to gasoline-powered cars.
Have a good winter!
