Ice vs. Electric in Bloomington, MN

Ice vs Electric – Keeping Your EV Efficient in Cold Weather

Although electric vehicles are kinder to the environment than those powered by gas, nature isn’t always kind to EVs. In fact, in the winter, the cold weather can affect the performance of your car far more than it would if you were driving a traditional vehicle. There are three main ways that cold weather can impact your electric vehicle.

1. Battery Range: Cold weather can reduce the range of an electric vehicle by up to 40%. This is because the chemical reactions in the battery slow down in cold temperatures, making it less efficient.
2. Charging: It can take longer to charge an electric vehicle in cold weather. The battery needs to be warmed up before it can accept a charge.
3. Regenerative braking: Regenerative braking is less effective in cold weather. This is because the battery cannot accept as much energy as it can in warm weather.

Improving Your EV Performance in Cold Weather

Eliminating the effects of cold weather is impossible, even in cars with gas engines, but there are some things you can do to lessen the impact.

• Park in a garage. Whenever possible, park your car in a garage or a similarly heated space to protect your car from the direct chill of the environment and maintain a more consistent temperature in the battery systems.
• Preheat your car while it is plugged in. If your vehicle supports it, pre-heat the car while it’s still plugged in. This strategy uses external power to warm the vehicle, sparing the car’s battery from the strain of heating up in frigid conditions.
• Use a seat heater instead of the cabin heater. Utilize seat heaters instead of relying solely on the car’s cabin heater. Seat heaters consume less energy and are effective at providing direct warmth, allowing you to feel comfortable without overtaxing the vehicle’s heating system.
• Drive at moderate speeds. High speeds in cold weather can strain your vehicle’s engine and battery. Moderate speeds ensure better control and efficiency, especially in icy or snowy conditions.

If you drive an electric vehicle such as the BMW i7, use these tips to keep your EV performing optimally regardless of the conditions.