With winter in full swing in Michigan, and temperatures often below freezing, many electric vehicle (EV) owners are wondering if they should warm up their cars before driving. The answer, according to experts, is a resounding yes, but not in the same way you would warm up a gasoline car. Here’s what you need to know to maximize your EV’s range and performance in cold weather.
The Impact of Cold Weather on EVs
It’s a fact that cold weather affects all vehicles, but EVs experience some unique challenges. According to a study by Consumer Reports, EVs can experience approximately a 25% reduction in range at 4°C (40°F) compared to 18°C (65°F). In even colder temperatures, the range reduction can be as high as 40-50%. Here’s why:
- Battery Chemistry: Cold temperatures slow down the chemical reactions within lithium-ion batteries, reducing their ability to store and release energy efficiently. This leads to a decrease in the battery’s overall capacity and available power.
- Cabin Heating: Unlike gasoline cars that use waste heat from the engine to warm the cabin, EVs rely on battery power for heating. This can significantly reduce range, especially on short trips where frequent heating is required.
- Increased Energy Demand: Beyond cabin heating, other systems like window defoggers also draw power, further impacting range.
- Reduced Regeneration: Cold weather can reduce the efficiency of regenerative braking systems, which help to recharge the battery while driving.
- Slower Charging: Charging an EV takes longer in cold weather, as the battery management system must first warm the battery to an optimal temperature.
It’s important to note that the range loss is temporary, and your EV’s range should return to normal when the weather warms up.
The Importance of Preconditioning
Preconditioning is the key to minimizing range loss and maximizing comfort in your EV during winter. Preconditioning refers to warming up the car’s cabin and, in some cases, the battery before you start your journey, while the car is still plugged into the charger.
Here’s how preconditioning helps:
- Warms the Battery: Preconditioning warms the battery to its optimal operating temperature. This ensures efficient energy storage and delivery, and also helps with faster charging. A cold battery drains much faster than a conditioned one.
- Warms the Cabin: By preheating the cabin while plugged in, you use electricity from the grid instead of draining the battery, preserving your driving range.
- Defrosts Windows: Preconditioning can defrost windows, saving you time and effort before heading out.
Most EVs offer preconditioning features that can be accessed through the car’s app or by setting a departure time.
How to Precondition Your EV
- Use Your Car’s App: Most EV manufacturers provide a smartphone app that allows you to remotely control various car functions, including preconditioning. Simply set your desired temperature and start time.
- Set a Departure Time: Some vehicles allow you to schedule a departure time, and the car will automatically start preconditioning to be ready when you leave.
- Use the Infotainment Screen: In most EVs, you can also set up preconditioning through the car’s infotainment screen.
Other Tips for Maximizing EV Range in Winter
Besides preconditioning, here are some other tips to help maximize your EV’s range and performance in the Michigan winter:
- Park in a Garage: Even an unheated garage offers some protection from the cold, helping the battery retain its charge longer. A temperature difference of even a few degrees can help.
- Keep Your EV Plugged In: When parked for extended periods, keep your EV plugged in to maintain battery health and prevent excessive discharge.
- Use Heated Seats and Steering Wheel: These features are much more energy-efficient than the cabin heater. They provide direct warmth to the driver and passengers, reducing the need to blast the cabin heater.
- Turn Down the Cabin Heater: If you must use the cabin heater, set it to a lower temperature to conserve energy.
- Turn Off the Heat When Charging: When charging, turn off the heater or lower the temperature to remain comfortable, particularly when using DC Fast Charging.
- Drive Efficiently: Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. Use eco-mode, if available, to help extend your range by making adjustments to the car’s performance.
- Maintain Tire Pressure: Cold temperatures can cause tire pressure to drop, increasing rolling resistance. Regularly check and inflate your tires to the correct pressure for your vehicle.
- Use Regenerative Braking: Use regenerative braking to help recapture energy when slowing down. However, be aware that regenerative braking may be limited when the battery is cold.
- Plan Your Route: Use navigation apps to plan efficient routes that include charging stations. Some EVs will also precondition the battery when navigating to a fast charger.
- Adjust Regenerative Braking: On icy roads, turn down regenerative braking to avoid losing control.
- Consider Winter Tires: If you live in an area with lots of snow or ice, consider using winter or all-season tires for better traction and control.
- Keep Your Battery Above 20%: Letting the battery fall below 20% may make it harder to start.
- Keep Informed: Stay aware of weather conditions and plan accordingly.
What Experts Say
Experts agree that preconditioning is an important step for EV owners in cold climates. According to Richard Reina, Product Training Director at CARiD.com, “It’s always best practice in the winter to park your EV in a garage. Even an unheated garage provides some protection from the cold. A temperature difference of even a few degrees means that the battery of your EV can hold its charge longer.”
Casey Donahue, CEO of Optiwatt, a residential managed charging platform, emphasizes the importance of scheduling departures to allow enough time for both charging and preconditioning, stating that “preconditioning the battery allows regenerative braking to kick in, maximizing the efficiency of the vehicle.”
Conclusion
While cold weather can impact the range of your electric vehicle, it doesn’t have to be a major inconvenience. By taking advantage of preconditioning, employing energy-efficient heating methods, and planning your journeys, you can enjoy your EV even in the coldest Michigan winters. Remember that range loss is temporary, and your EV’s performance will return to normal once temperatures rise.
