Winter Roadside Rescue: Essential Tips for EV Drivers

The temperature is dropping, and the snow is falling, but is your EV ready? The winter months pose a unique set of challenges for your EV, and if you’re not prepared, it can leave you with a massive headache. Luckily, this isn’t going to happen to you because you’re about to learn the essential tips to stay one step ahead of the curve this winter!  

How Cold Weather Affects EVs

Did you know your car’s battery can lose up to 30% of its range in colder weather? They rely on a chemical reaction to work properly, and when it’s cold out, these reactions slow down, reducing efficiency. This will seriously reduce your mileage, and if you’re in an area without easily accessible charging stations, you’re at serious risk of being stuck on the side of the road.

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If you do find somewhere to charge, hopefully, you have something to entertain yourself with because you’ll be stuck at that station for longer than expected. That’s because your battery accepts energy slower in these climates than warmer ones.

Preconditioning: The EV Driver’s Best Friend

Your EV should have a feature called preconditioning, which allows you to warm up your battery and cabin before heading out. In winter, this is essential because it optimizes your battery for cold-weather performance. This helps you to save energy (as it takes power from the charger, not your battery), but it also makes your cabin lovely and warm without impacting range.

Charge Wisely, Charge Often

Charging to 100% may seem like the smart thing to do to prepare for the journey ahead, but you may be doing more damage than good. It’s actually best to keep your battery between 20% - 80%. 

• Anything less than 20%, and you can strain the battery. 
• Charging to 100% regularly can negatively impact your battery's long-term health.

So charge more frequently, but don’t top it off every single time unless you absolutely need the full range. 

If you’re headed on a longer trip, plan your stops around fast chargers, but keep in mind that charging times increase in colder conditions. Have a backup plan in case you're stuck waiting longer than expected!

Tire Care and Traction Tips

Winter roads can be unpredictable; your stopping distance increases by 10x on icy roads. If you find yourself driving in these conditions regularly, then changing to winter tires is essential. Where regular all-season tires harden up in the cold and reduce traction, winter tires remain flexible and provide better grip.

Also, don’t forget to check your tire pressure. Cold air contracts, reducing pressure, which leads to poor handling and reduced range. Keeping your tires inflated to the recommended PSI ensures better performance and fuel efficiency.

Keep an Emergency Kit in Your EV

While breakdowns are less frequent with EVs due to their fewer moving parts, roadside issues can still happen, and winter isn’t forgiving. Here’s what you should pack in your EV winter roadside emergency kit:

• Portable phone charger: You need to stay connected, especially in emergencies.
• Thermal blanket: If you’re stuck waiting for help, you’ll want to stay warm.
• Traction mats or kitty litter: For gaining traction on icy roads.
• Snow brush and ice scraper: Clear off your windshield quickly for better visibility.
• Tire inflator and sealant: Cold weather leads to flat tires, and you’ll need a quick fix if you’re stranded.

Heating Your EV Efficiently

Staying warm when broken down in the cold should always be a priority. But using the heater can quickly drain your battery, so use it wisely. 

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We recommend using your seat warmers and steering wheel heaters instead. These direct sources of heat require less energy to keep your cabin warm and can help conserve battery life while staying comfortable. If you’ve got extra layers, put them on to use your cabin heater at a lower temperature. 

Maximize Your Regenerative Braking

Regenerative braking is a key feature of EVs, and in winter, it can help you save some energy. When you lift your foot off the accelerator, the system sends power back to the battery. On icy roads, however, you should use this feature cautiously. 

While it helps recharge your battery, aggressive regenerative braking can cause your tires to lose traction on slick surfaces. Adjust your settings to low regen to avoid any unwanted skidding.

Know When to Call for Help

Even with all the tips and tricks we’ve pointed out here today, you still may find yourself broken down. And that’s fine. All you have to do is know who to call.

Professional EV towing services like Myles Wrecker Service are there to get you out of a sticky situation. You're covered whether it’s a dead battery, a flat tire, software glitches. Make sure you have a contact number on hand, and never hesitate to call if in doubt— It’s better to be safe than sorry, especially in winter conditions. 

Final Thoughts

Winter driving in an electric vehicle comes with its challenges, but with proper preparation, you'll have no problem staying on the road. Remember to precondition your battery, keep up with regular charging, and make sure your tires are in good shape. Always have a winter emergency kit on hand, use your heating features wisely, and adjust your regenerative braking for slick conditions.

 And if you find yourself in a bind, don’t hesitate to call for roadside assistance. Stay safe and drive smart this winter!