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How to get the most out of winter EV driving
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
The Fortum Charge & Drive app has everything you need to make your EV journey easier. Our route planner in our app is designed to make your EV journey more uncomplicated. In addition to the 50,000 charging points in the Nordics, Route Planner analyzes 15 different factors affecting EV travel, such as weather, road conditions and traffic, to tailor your route suggestions exactly to match your needs. Best of all, Route Planner also provides accurate consumption forecasts, helps to estimate charging times for your EV, and suggests the best charging stations along your way.
Correct tire pressures bring safety and extend your range
When the weather gets colder, it's a good idea to check your car's tire pressure, because in the cold your tires need higher pressures. In addition, lower outside temperature actually reduces tire pressures. It's good to know that if the tire pressure is lower than recommended, the car's consumption will increase, the range will decrease, control will become more difficult and even braking distances will increase. So you should make sure that your EV has recommended tire pressure. This is an easy way to guarantee a smoother journey.
Don't allow the battery to drop below 20%
In winter time, it is even more important than usual to ensure that the battery always has enough charge. Your EV is equipped with a battery management system that regulates the temperature of the battery to optimize performance. In extremely high or low temperatures, it’s important to have a safety margin in the battery so that your car's systems can control optimal temperature. In other words, you should keep the battery sufficiently charged during the winter months, because the cold weather affects the battery's efficiency. If possible, try to avoid dropping the battery below 20% and charge your car regularly.
Optimize the heating of your car
Heating a car is one of the biggest electricity eaters in winter. Thus, a simple way to save electricity is to heat the car seats and steering wheel, instead of heating in vain the entire cabin. It would be good to 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, which is important in winter. During winter, it is good to avoid unnecessary electricity consumption, e.g. by avoiding unnecessary accelerations. One good trick is to use the EV’s eco mode, which helps you drive more economically. The eco mode limits, among other things, acceleration and thus lowers EV’s energy consumption. The temperature of the EV is also adjusted automatically a few degrees lower with the eco mode.
A few 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 energy on the go.
Plan charging breaks. Make sure you know where the charging stations are along your route. Have also a backup plan in case the charging station is taken. Our app's handy Route Planner can help you and make trip planning easier.
Handle the charging event with the Fortum Charge & Drive RFID charging card or RFID charging key: many EV drivers think that the RFID charging card is the most convenient and fastest way to charge. By using the charging key or card, instead of the app, you avoid freezing fingers while charging your EV in the winter months.
Make sure that you have comprehensive insurance, providing protection in 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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One app - Multiple charge point operators
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