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Preparing your electric car before you set off
Check tire pressure and winter equipment
In winter, outside temperatures can cause tire pressure to drop, affecting not only safety but also therange of your electric car. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency and cuts battery life by around 3%. So it's essential to check your tire pressure regularly with a car air pump before every trip, especially on long journeys.
Tip: Consult your vehicle manual for the recommended pressure and adjust accordingly with temperature fluctuations.
Winter tires, specifically designed for electric vehicles, improve grip on slippery roads while limiting the impact on range. These tires are optimized to offer better fuel efficiency while guaranteeing safety on snow and ice. They are particularly recommended for long winter journeys where weather conditions can be unpredictable.
In addition to the right tires, make sure you have the essential equipment in your car: an ice scraper, a survival blanket and snow chains. This equipment can be crucial in extreme weather conditions, when winter tires alone may not be sufficient.
Tip: Don't forget to take along a car thermometer to keep an eye on the temperature in the cabin and adjust the heating as required, without unnecessarily draining the battery.
Plan your route and recharge stops
When you're planning a long winter journey with an electric car, planning your charging stops is crucial. Low temperatures can reduce battery life by 20% to 30%. So it's essential to plan regular stops at fast-charging stations to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Applications such as ChargeHub, PlugShare and Google Maps make it easy to locate available charging stations on your route and check their status in real time.
| Description | Features | + | - | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
ChargeHub |
Dedicated to locating charging stations |
- Map of charging stations
- Filtering by connector type
- Route planning
- Recharge history
|
- Detailed terminal information
- Compatible with several charging networks
- Active feedback community
- Recharging history
|
- Fewer terminals listed in some rural areas
- Less intuitive interface for new users
|
|
PlugShare |
Find and share charging stations |
- Real-time mapping of terminals
- User reviews and photos
- Availability notifications
- Route planning with stops
|
- Very large global database
- Real-time information on terminal availability
- Community contributions and opinions
|
- Some terminals may not be up to date in less frequented areas
- May require a stable Internet connection
|
|
Google Maps |
General navigation including charging stations |
- Integrating terminals into routes
- Satellite view and Street View for easy terminal location
- Real-time availability for some networks
|
- Intuitive, familiar interface
- Worldwide availability
- Suggested interesting stops nearby
|
- Fewer details on terminal specifications (connector types, speed)
- Fewer community reviews of terminals
|
Opt for DC fast chargers to optimize your time, especially on long journeys.
Prepare a winter emergency kit
A good winter emergency kit should include basic items such as :
- thermal blanketsto keep you warm without draining battery power
- ice scrapers and brushesto maintain clear visibility on the road in the event of snow or frost
- flashlight and batteriesif you need to leave your car or carry out minor repairs in the dark.
Even though electric cars have fewer mechanical parts than combustion-powered vehicles, they are not free from breakdowns. We recommend that you always carry an extra cable, in case of power or charging station failure. In winter, the likelihood of a puncture increases due to slippery conditions. A repair kit will enable you to get back on the road quickly while waiting for a breakdown service.
Finally, if you get stuck on a snow-covered road or have to wait a long time in isolated areas, it's wise to pack non-perishable snacks and water. It may sound simple, but staying hydrated and nourished is crucial when waiting for long periods in the cold.
Also read → Go on vacation in an electric car: our tips
Optimizing your electric car's range in winter
Heating and comfort without excessive consumption
Conventional heating, which relies on the battery, can consume a large amount of energy and significantly reduce your vehicle's range. To minimize this impact, use car preconditioning before setting off, a feature available on most electric vehicles. By warming up the passenger compartment while the vehicle is still plugged in, you avoid using battery energy during the journey.
Kinetic heaters and rechargeable battery heaters are also excellent alternatives for maintaining optimum comfort without straining the main battery. These devices are specially designed to be energy-efficient, and can extend your vehicle's range in winter.
Efficient use of energy regeneration systems
What is regenerative braking?
Regenerative braking is a powerful tool for maximizing the range of your electric car, especially in winter, when energy management is crucial. This system recovers the kinetic energy generated during braking and converts it into electricity to recharge the battery.
Anticipate and brake gradually
To take full advantage of this system, adopt a gentle driving style. Anticipating stops and slowing down gradually enables the system to recover more energy, improving overall battery life.
Adjust regeneration settings
Some electric vehicles allow you to adjust the intensity of regenerative braking. In winter, increasing this intensity can help you regenerate more energy during descents or deceleration phases.
Also read → Electric car range: 6 winter tips
Winter driving tips
Adapt your driving style to the conditions
Accelerate and brake gradually to avoid excessive energy consumption and maximize the use of regenerative braking. By avoiding sudden acceleration, you can reduce the strain on the battery and improve traction on slippery roads. Use the appropriate driving modes, such as "eco" or "snow", to adjust vehicle performance to climatic conditions. These modes reduce power output and limit energy consumption to extend range.
Allow for longer recharge times
To avoid frustration, be prepared for longer stops at charging stations, especially if you're traveling long distances. Cold batteries accept energy less well, and fast recharges can be significantly slower below 0°C. Anticipate these delays by planning stops in places where you can enjoy amenities, such as cafés or shopping centers, while your car recharges.
Checklist before hitting the road
- Check tire pressure
- Fully charge the battery
- Check windshield washer fluid
- Clean and clear sensors and cameras
- Check the heating system
- Test headlights and taillights
- Preheat the car before setting off
- Store a cell phone charger
- Check coolant levels
Also read → Reduce the energy consumption of an electric car: 8 tips
Conclusion
Preparing your electric car for long winter journeys therefore requires careful attention to planning, equipment and energy management. By adopting intelligent strategies such as pre-conditioning the battery, making effective use of regenerative braking, and rigorously checking the condition of your vehicle, you maximize the autonomy and safety of your journey. By anticipating weather conditions and equipping your car with the right emergency kit, you'll be ready to face winter with peace of mind.
