Last winter's television reports about electric vehicle drivers waiting in long lines at crowded public charging stations put a damper on many individuals excited by electric vehicles. Why should drivers within the North and Northeast subject themselves to such icy range anxiety because they’ve a vehicle that they might not give you the chance to make use of all yr round?
In fact, electric vehicles are great to make use of all yr round – if the motive force is ready.
New research from AAA shows that the common range of an electrical vehicle drops by 41 percent when temperatures drop to twenty degrees Fahrenheit and the HVAC system is used to heat the vehicle's interior. When temperatures rise as much as 95 degrees and air con is used, range also decreases by 17 percent.
With proper preparation, charging and maintenance, your electric vehicle will survive the winter season and well beyond. Consider the next suggestions for a greater EV experience in winter.
Conquer range anxiety
The range of electrical vehicles shouldn’t be an absolute measure, and winter can have the shortest range, he writes Judy Nuskey at Automotive Fleet, an internet site that gives news, insights and techniques for business fleet management. Nuskey is the operations manager at Advanced driver training services.
“Weather, hills, climate temperature, cargo, passengers, aerodynamics and speed traffic have a dramatic impact on the range of electric vehicles,” Nuskey said within the report.
She said preparing your electric vehicle for winter is crucial to maximizing its safety, performance and longevity. “Just like one Vehicle with an internal combustion engine (ICE).A proactive approach to preparing your vehicle for harsh weather makes all the difference.”
Although seasonal maintenance is an identical concept, the actual steps involved in winterizing an electrical vehicle may differ from those of an internal combustion engine in ways that won’t yet be foreseeable.
Defy the cold battery
An EV battery has a really perfect operating temperature of about 68 to 100 degrees (20 to 40 degrees Celsius), Nuskey said. “Depending on the vehicle model, it can be difficult to reach these warmer temperatures in winter. If the temperature is lower, it will affect the charging speed and range and your vehicle will not go as far. Daily driving and charging behavior must be adjusted in the winter months.” Nuskey makes the next suggestions:
- Disable folding side mirrors: Water from melting snow and ice can penetrate the mirrors and freeze. In sub-zero temperatures, the mirrors can freeze when closed. There is a likelihood that the motors will burn out while attempting to free yourself.
- Clean the glass and wipers: In harsh climates, watch out to not freeze the wiper blades or persist with the windshield. Remove ice from the windshield before using the wipers. Ice has sharp edges that may damage the rubber on the blades. Install high-quality windshield wipers to assist remove snow and ice.
- Clean the trunk lid before opening: Do not store the ice scraper or brush within the trunk. When the trunk is opened, snow and ice could fall into the trunk above the battery location and add moisture because it melts.
- Monitor tire pressure: In colder temperatures, the air level within the tires decreases and the pressure drops, reducing the vehicle's efficiency. Proper air pressure can extend battery life by 3 to 7 percent.
Maximizing range in cold weather
Winter temperatures reduce the same old range of an electrical vehicle. Consider these suggestions to maximise mileage.
Reduce regenerative braking force
Electric vehicles use regenerative braking to get better kinetic energy because the vehicle slows and involves a stop. The electric motor acts as a generator and converts the kinetic energy into electricity, which is then stored within the battery. The power of most renewable systems could be adjusted for roughly energy recovery.
When driving in winter, set the regenerative braking force to the bottom setting. When the accelerator pedal is released, the vehicle begins to brake. Strong regenerative braking may very well be too aggressive in icy conditions and cause an electrical vehicle to lose traction and slide.
Prepare the cabin
Set the pre-conditioning mode to warm the inside of the vehicle, which shouldn’t be consumed by the battery. Most electric vehicles could be programmed to start preconditioning at a set time to make sure the vehicle is prepared for a scheduled departure.
The range could be prolonged by remotely starting the vehicle for roughly half-hour before disconnecting from the ability source.
Use economy mode
Eco mode limits power to the engine and transmission responsiveness, reducing battery life. Operating on this low energy mode could be helpful in icy weather conditions by allowing the automotive to speed up more slowly and stopping tire spin.
Plan to make use of heated seats and a heated steering wheel. These features use less energy and supply targeted heat, leaving more battery available for the ride. Also, turn down the cabin heater whether it is a regular radiant system that’s consuming battery reserves.
Some electric vehicles have a heat pump to warm the inside. The heat pump works similarly to a reverse air conditioner and doesn’t draw power from the battery pack. Heat pumps absorb the surplus heat generated by the electrical vehicle's battery and drivetrain to enhance the vehicle's efficiency, range and driving experience. A heat pump also helps maintain the optimal battery temperature and real range.
Keep it covered
Like internal combustion engine vehicles, electric vehicles run higher when protected against lower temperatures. If possible, park your electric vehicle in a garage or keep the automotive covered when exposed to the weather. By protecting the electrical vehicle, the battery stays charged longer.
Maintain electric vehicle battery charge
Plug your electric vehicle into the electrical outlet when parking it for a very long time or overnight in freezing temperatures. When the vehicle is connected, the vehicle's battery temperature is maintained above freezing to optimize battery performance. This feature occurs no matter whether the vehicle is actively charging while plugged in.
Remember that cold temperatures negatively impact a battery's performance and limit its ability to charge. Many electric vehicles limit the charging voltage when the battery is cold to guard the high-voltage battery. Once the battery has warmed up, normal charging speed will return.
Plan ahead
Before you travel, stay one step ahead and plan when your vehicle needs charging probably the most. If it is advisable leave within the morning when the temperature is below 40 degrees overnight, schedule charging to finish as near your departure time as possible quite than charging the night before.
When planning a road trip, consider frequent and redundant charging station waypoints to make sure a smooth driving experience even in unpredictable weather conditions.
Protect outdoor chargers
Electric vehicle chargers installed outdoors have to be protected against frost. Charging ports are designed to be waterproof, but heavy snowfall could cause them to freeze. You will help prevent freezing by utilizing a magnetic cover for the electrical vehicle charging port. When charging is complete, at all times hang the charging plug based on the manufacturer's recommendations when not in use.
Originally published:
image credit : www.mercurynews.com