Preparing your electric vehicles for winter. Do this now to avoid regret in spring
If you own an electric car, bike, or scooter, it's important to realize that the winter months can pose a serious threat to your vehicle. Once the temperature drops below freezing, you must properly care for your equipment and keep an eye on your battery's charge level to prevent irreversible damage.
2:38 PM EST, November 18, 2023
Electric car drivers have been navigating through winter conditions for several years, so they already know the effects of low temperatures on battery functionality. This, in turn, affects their vehicle's range. However, many forget that scooters and electric bikes are also affected unfavorably by winter conditions.
Given these conditions, proper care is essential to prevent breakdowns and permanent damage, as these vehicles have delicate structures and a battery failure could end their usability. So, how can you manage during the winter? We have some useful tips for you.
Winter isn't kind to electric vehicle batteries, including those in cars, bikes, and scooters. Lower temperatures disrupt the operation of electric vehicles, making our lives a bit challenging. A decrease in battery performance equates to a decrease in vehicle range. However, this is just one of the many challenges posed by winter.
A Norwegian automotive website, "Motor", ran some tests on electric cars a while ago. They evaluated 29 electric vehicles, each required to achieve a thousand kilometers in very low temperatures between minus 5 and even minus 10 degrees Celsius. The outcome? A significant 20-30 percent lower range compared to warmer periods.
Today's batteries are still not fully resistant to extreme temperatures, typical of winter. And frosty weather is just around the corner.
Owners of electric bikes and scooters must be aware that they face the same challenges as electric car drivers. During winter, batteries may deplete faster due to the cold. The upside is, it's easier to remove and protect a bike or scooter's power unit than in a car.
Storing your vehicle in the garage for winter is a good idea. Riding a bike or scooter in frosty and slippery conditions is not just unpleasant, but also hazardous. Sometimes, it's safer to await warmer days. However, if you insist on riding, remember to consistently check your battery's condition to avoid draining it. Experts suggest maintaining a battery charge between 30 to 60 percent for optimal operation.
Once your ride is over, take the battery with you and keep it in a warm place, where prolonged low temperatures can't harm it. Avoid immediately charging the battery when you get home—give it some time to warm up.
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