Electric cars have proven themselves in all seasons, but snow presents a particular challenge. Not only does it impact battery life, but it also radically changes driving conditions.
However, with a few simple adaptations and adequate preparation, your electric car can become a real ally on snowy roads.
Prepare your electric car before facing the snow
Preparation is the key to successful winter driving. First reflex to adopt: preheat your vehicle. Most electric cars have a preheating function accessible from the mobile application.
Start it 20 to 30 minutes before your departure, ideally while the vehicle is still plugged in. This tip not only warms the passenger compartment, but also – and above all – brings the battery to its optimal operating temperature.
Tires also play a crucial role. Tire pressure naturally drops with cold: each drop of 10°C results in a drop of 0.07 to 0.14 bar. Check their pressure regularly and opt for winter tires adapted to the weight of your electric vehicle.
Remember: electric cars are generally heavier than their thermal counterparts due to the weight of the battery.
Another essential point, completely rid your car of accumulated snow. Beyond the simple question of visibility, residual snow increases air resistance and therefore energy consumption. Ideally, it is best to keep your vehicle in a garage to avoid most of these constraints.
Master your driving on snowy roads
Driving on snow requires a special approach, even more so with an electric vehicle. Acceleration should be smooth and gradual to avoid any slippage. The instantaneous torque of electric motors can quickly cause you to lose grip on slippery surfaces.
Activate your vehicle’s “eco” mode. This setting limits engine power and softens throttle response — a definite advantage on slippery roads.. Some models even offer a specific “snow” mode which optimizes traction management.
Regenerative braking, a major advantage of electric cars in normal times, can become treacherous on snowy roads. If your vehicle allows it, reduce its intensity or temporarily deactivate it. Favor traditional, gentle and anticipated braking.
Maintain a greater safety distance than usual. Snow considerably extends braking distances, even with suitable tires. In town, maintain a moderate and constant speed rather than alternating acceleration and braking.
Optimize your autonomy in winter conditions
The cold significantly impacts the range of electric cars, with losses of up to 30% compared to optimal conditions. To maximize your range of action, a few techniques are necessary.
Heating management becomes crucial. Choose heated seats and heated steering wheel when available: they consume less energy than general heating of the passenger compartment. If you drive alone, only use the driver’s side heater.
Never let the battery drop below 20% charge. The battery management system reserves a portion of the capacity to maintain temperature — typically between 15 and 20 percent. Below this threshold, performance can drop drastically.
Plan your trips with a margin of safety. Winter conditions increase energy consumption, particularly on snow-covered roads where rolling resistance is greater. Identify charging stations on your route in advance and plan alternatives if necessary.
Effectively manage your recharge in winter conditions
When possible, park your vehicle in a garage with insulated walls. A battery kept at optimal temperature will retain its charge better and recharge more quickly. Otherwise, choose parking spaces exposed to the sun.
Charging also takes longer in cold weather. A cold battery accepts fast charging less easily. Anticipate longer charging times, particularly at fast charging stations where the difference will be most noticeable. A charging time can easily increase by 20-30% in winter conditions.
To optimize charging, plug in your vehicle as soon as possible. Public charging stations are generally designed to withstand cold weather, but their effectiveness can vary. Choose sheltered stations and check their availability via your favorite charging application.
Winter essentials
Preparing for winter conditions doesn’t stop with driving. Always keep a suitable emergency kit in your trunk: jumper cables specific to electric vehicles, survival blanket, flashlight, and frost scraper are essential.
Don’t forget your portable charging cable either. In cold weather, having a backup solution can be crucial. Some manufacturers even offer specific winter kits including additional protection for the battery and sensitive components..
Driving an electric car in the snow certainly requires some adaptation, but it also offers unique advantages. The instant torque, well managed, allows for smooth starts. The low center of gravity, due to the placement of the batteries, improves stability.
