Tips for using an electric vehicle in the cold and winter

If you want a smooth, efficient and safe drive in your electric vehicle during winter, you need to do some planning. Low temperatures can affect electric batteries, reducing both range and charging speeds, but by combining better driving techniques with appropriate tyres, checks and servicing, you can keep your EV's performance reliable.

There's no substitute for expert advice from specialists like protyre but here are some useful tips to maintain your EV's performance in winter.

Plan for reduced winter range

Cold weather always cuts the range of EVs. You should keep the battery topped up more than you might in summer and avoid letting it run down low on long trips. If you're making motorway journeys, plan your route to include rapid chargers and allow for an extra 15% range buffer to counter the pressure of even lower temperatures and traffic congestion.

Preheating your car

Warm up your EV while it's plugged in. This means you're drawing power from the grid rather than your battery, so you're not reducing your range before you even get started. Some EVs let you do this with an app, so your car will be warm and fully charged when you set off.

Use heating efficiently

Heating consumes a lot of energy, so try to use heated seats and steering wheel, rather than filling the interior with hot air. Dress warmly, lower the temperature a little and use targeted heating to make yourself comfortable without compromising on range.

Drive smoothly and use eco mode

Eco and efficiency modes come into their own in winter. They reduce power usage and limit unnecessary consumption of energy by in car systems. Accelerate gently, keep your speed down and anticipate traffic movements to avoid sharp braking. This will not only help maintain range - it will also improve your car's grip on wet, icy and snowy roads.

Check your tyres and tread

Falling temperatures reduce tyre pressures, so you should check them regularly and reinflate them to the manufacturer's recommended levels. This improves both efficiency and safety. Remember that tread depth is also crucial for traction in rain, slush and snow, so you should check this frequently. If you often drive in very cold or rural conditions, you might consider switching to winter or all season tyres that provide extra grip. Our autocare specialists throughout the UK offer a choice of suitable tyres from Pirelli, Falken, Sumitomo, Bridgestone and other manufacturers.

Look after your EV in winter

Since batteries for electric cars suffer in the cold, it's a good idea to keep your EV in a garage or car port overnight. If you don't have either, then even a car cover can help keep the battery slightly warmer. Check the charging port and seals regularly because they can become clogged by road salt, grit and moisture.

Carry a basic winter kit

Be prepared with a winter kit that can help you deal with delays. Essential items include warm clothing, blankets, gloves, a phone power bank, a torch, an ice scraper, snacks and drinking water. It is also worth carrying a charging cable compatible with most UK charging points. Type 2 cables are the most common.

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