(Østlands-Posten) In a press release, the Electric Vehicle Association writes what should be done for the electric car to work optimally in the cold period we are in.
Take into account the shorter battery life and slower charging, especially when it’s in double digits below. Most car models can withstand temperatures as low as minus 40 before refusing to start, but some tips are still useful to take with you in the winter cold, we read at the beginning of the message.
– The main reason for the reduced autonomy is that the battery cools down. Furthermore, snow and mud increase rolling resistance and the electric car consumes more energy than it does on dry summer roads, says Ståle Frydenlund, head of testing at the Norwegian Electric Vehicle Association.
Frydenlund has ten years of experience testing electric cars in the cold and has some rules of thumb for success in winter:
It is a good idea to charge the car before leaving and at the same time preheat the interior with electricity from the charging box. This gives a lot of extra miles.
Preheating is a good idea
Don’t drive a frozen electric car to a fast charger, as charging will be anything but fast. If you’re on a long trip, such as to the cabin, it’s a good idea to charge towards the end of the trip, with the battery temperature as warm as possible. The rate at which the temperature increases while driving varies from model to model. Don’t leave your car until the next day if you need to charge it anyway. Then it will take much longer.
Do you own a modern electric car, which allows you to pre-heat the battery on the way to a fast charger? Use this opportunity.
Of course, the energy consumption on the way to the charging station increases, but a lot of time is saved during charging.
Frydenlund also reminds us that we use heating more in winter. It steals energy and range from the battery.
He also adds that cold air is denser than warm air and this increases air resistance.
Some good advice
Here are some additional tips:
- If the charging door is blocked, you can fill a plastic bag with hot water and keep it near the door.
- If the screen on the charging base is slow or unresponsive, it just needs some heat. Remove your glove and place your palm on the screen to warm it.
- If someone has thrown the charging cable on the ground after use, snow in the charging socket can prevent contact between the charger and the car. If you are unable to start charging, perform an additional check as it may be difficult to see accumulated snow inside the charging socket.
– Our tests show that in winter electric cars mostly maintain around 65-70% of their range, compared to the rest, says Frydenlund.
Don’t forget the 12 volt battery!
Electric cars have a small 12-volt battery in addition to the main battery. In electric cars this battery has a much lower load than in fossil cars, because it does not have to start a cold petrol or diesel engine with viscous oil.
However, the small 12-volt battery in electric cars can withstand the cold.
– Excessive heat use in the steering wheel and seats can contribute to 12-volt battery failure, Frydenlund says.
Frydenlund believes it’s relatively easy to measure quiescent voltage using a multimeter, but not necessarily for everyone.
– Maybe you know someone who can help you, if you have any doubts? If the quiescent voltage drops below 12.7V over time, this indicates wear and means that the battery is unable to hold energy. Then it has to be replaced, says Ståle Frydenlund.
Interesting to check what applies to your car
Frydenlund adds that it’s always a good idea to know where the 12-volt battery is located in the car, so you can use a starter booster, trickle charger, or check the voltage.
Many modern electric cars regularly charge the 12-volt battery regardless of use, but this is not true for all, and especially not for older electric cars. Some electric cars charge the 12-volt battery while charging the vehicle, while others charge while driving.
– That’s why it’s a good idea to check what applies to your car, concludes Ståle Frydenlund.
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2024-01-05 16:46:18
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