How Are Electric Cars in Cold Weather?

Our CT and New England generally get very chilly winters filled with snow during peak season. For an entire winter, we get a few feet of snow! As such, you want a vehicle that performs well in frigid weather around Rye.

If you’re interested in a luxury EV, like any of the vehicles in the Mercedes-Benz: all-electric vehicle line, you need to know about the performance of electric cars in winter. Read on to learn more about electric vehicles in cold weather with our guide.

Do Electric Vehicles Lose Range in Cold Weather?

As temperatures plummet, electric cars in cold climates require additional energy to move the car forward in Stamford. It also uses more electricity to heat up the cabin. The ideal temperature for your EV battery’s operation is from 60 to 80 degrees. If the temperature is around 20 degrees, it could lose 10 to 12 percent of its range on the temperature alone without extra heat.

Studies have shown that using your EV’s cabin heater could lower the battery range by around 41 percent. Batteries on electric cars in cold climates can use around 20 percent of their power to heat up enough just to work properly.

Tips to Maximize Electric Vehicle Battery Range in the Winter

Yes, electric cars in winter have unique challenges. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get the most out of your new vehicle purchase. Discover some tips on how to conserve your electric vehicle battery power in cold weather:

1. Do electric cars lose charge when parked? Yes, if the temperatures are cold enough. Keep your car parked in a garage throughout the colder months if possible, so it takes less power to start your car. Your garage at home is ideal overnight. If you have a parking garage at work, utilize that if you can.
2. Set a charging time for your vehicle using your mobile app.
3. Slow down. Use one-pedal driving as much as you can, meaning only the accelerator and easing on the pedal to slow down. You’ll reduce the amount of power the battery uses as you drive and brake.
4. Preheat your vehicle when it’s still plugged in at your house. It will drain the battery less.
5. Change the heat settings to avoid wasting battery power. Make the warm air as cool as you can tolerate, which means bundling up a bit more and wearing gloves.
6. Always keep your car charged at a minimum of 50 percent. You’ll have enough reserve power to heat the battery before starting your electric car.
7. Utilize standard heat settings that target the driver and passengers directly when driving your electric car in cold weather near New Canaan. Run the heat on the lowest setting.
8. Inflate your tires to the proper pressure for better battery performance. This will reduce the amount of power needed to move the car forward.
9. Have a backup plan for long road trips. Know the location of the nearest charging station for when it’s time to recharge your electric car in winter by using your smartphone or GPS navigation.

Learn More About Electric Cars in Cold Weather

Need to prep your car for winter in Greenwich? Bring your Mercedes-Benz in for a checkup. Contact us or call (475) 303-3677 for more information on caring for your electric car in cold weather.