Pauliina Smeds
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EV driver's winter guide
Are you going on a trip with an EV this winter? Here, we provide useful tips for successful and safe EV travels. EV's are excellent for winter driving - as long as you take a few important points into account. Especially, if you plan a longer trip, it is good to plan a little in advance.
Hassle-free EV trips with our route planner
Fortum Charge & Drive app offers all you need to make your EV journey easier. Our app's Route Planner is designed to make your EV journey more uncomplicated. In addition to the 44,000 charging points in the Nordics, Route Planner analyzes 15 factors affecting your EV travel, such as weather, road conditions and traffic, to tailor route suggestions to match your needs. Route Planner provides consumption forecasts, estimates charging times, and suggests charging stations along your way.
Correct tire pressures: safety and extended range
When the weather gets colder, it's good to check car's tire pressure, as in the cold tires need higher pressures. In fact, lower outside temperature actually reduces tire pressures. If the tire pressure is lower than recommended, the car's consumption will increase, the range will decrease, controlling the car will become more difficult and braking distances will increase. So make sure your EV has recommended tire pressure: an easy way to guarantee a smoother journey.
Don't allow the battery to drop too low
In winter, it's even more important than usual to ensure that the battery always has enough charge. Your EV is equipped with a battery management system regulating the temperature of the battery to optimize performance. In extremely high or low temperatures, remember to have a safety margin in the battery. In other words, keep the battery sufficiently charged during the winter, because the cold weather affects the battery's efficiency. If possible, try to avoid dropping the battery too much below 20% and charge your car regularly.
Optimize the heating of your car
Heating a car is one of the biggest power eaters in winter. Thus, a simple way to save electricty is to heat the car seats and steering wheel, instead of heating the entire cabin. Also, park your EV indoors whenever possible in very cold weather.
EVs are made to be driven year round
Most know that EVs are heavier than conventional engine cars, but did you know that the weight of the battery of an EV brings additional stability to driving? During winter, try to avoid unnecessary accelerations. One good trick is to use the EV’s eco mode, which helps you drive economically. The eco mode limits acceleration and thus lowers EV’s consumption. The cabin temperature is also adjusted automatically a few degrees lower with the eco mode.
Additional tips for winter EV driving
If possible, preheat your EV before your trip, e.g., by using home charging. This way you can start your trip with a warm car without using battery on the go.
Plan charging breaks. Ensure you know where the charging stations are along your route. Have a backup plan in case the charging station is taken. Our app's handy Route Planner can help you and make your trip planning easier.
Handle the charging event with the Fortum Charge & Drive charging card (RFID): many EV drivers think that the charging card is the most convenient and fastest way to charge. By using the charging card, instead of the app, you avoid freezing fingers while charging your EV in the winter.
Make sure you have comprehensive insurance for possible problematic situations on the road.
Keep a backup power source (power bank) with you to charge your mobile phone in all situations.
Pack a first aid kit and a flashlight for emergencies.
Bring an ice scrubber & a snow brush to keep your car clean of snow and ice.
Fortum Charge & Drive team wishes You safe & smooth winter EV driving! ♥
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