Tips For EV Drivers In Extreme Weather

Tips For EV Drivers In Extreme Weather


In 2023, electric vehicle sales in the U.S. reached new heights, marking a significant milestone. As numerous individuals embark on their journey as new EV owners, especially in the colder regions where temperatures plunge below freezing, it's essential to equip yourself with valuable tips on optimizing your EV's range during extreme weather conditions this winter:


1. Ensure your EV remains connected when not in use for extended durations: Keep your electric vehicle plugged in during extended periods of inactivity. This practice not only preserves battery health but also prevents potential issues related to excessive discharge.


2. Prepare your vehicle in advance by warming the battery while it's connected. Before hitting the road, consider preconditioning your car to allow the battery to reach its optimal temperature. This proactive measure positively influences both the range and driving dynamics. If you're a Ford EV owner, conveniently schedule preconditioning using the SYNC touchscreen or the FordPass app from the comfort of your home.


3. Optimize warmth with heated features: Utilize heated seats and steering wheel, if available, as your primary sources of warmth. This enhances comfort and minimizes energy consumption compared to relying solely on HVAC.


4. Modify heating settings during EV charging: To conserve energy, consider turning off the heater or adjusting the temperature to a comfortable level, especially during DC Fast Charging sessions.


5. Leverage Ford Onboard Navigation for DC Fast Charging spots: Utilize your vehicle's Ford Onboard Navigation to locate DC Fast Charging stations. This helps plan your route and allows the car to precondition the battery within 20 miles of your destination. This intelligent strategy accelerates the charging process in cold weather, swiftly getting you back on the road.


6. Maintain moderate driving speeds: Opt for moderate speeds as higher velocities tend to consume more energy, impacting range regardless of the weather conditions. Following Ford's recommendation to limit speed whenever feasible ensures optimal results.


7. Verify tire pressure for optimal performance: Ensure your vehicle's tires are at the correct pressure levels. Proper tire pressure maximizes range and ensures the right amount of tire surface area grips the road. For the recommended tire pressure figures, refer to the door jamb sticker, the tire pressure app on your center screen, or the owner's manual shortcut on the center screen.


8. Strategically plan your winter route: Before embarking on your journey, identify charging locations along your route and plan your stops wisely. Be prepared for unexpected winter challenges and have a contingency plan for adverse conditions.



Ford's electric vehicles underwent rigorous testing in challenging environments, enduring several months of actual winter driving conditions in Alaska and Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Furthermore, the batteries of Ford EVs were exposed to a spectrum of temperatures ranging from a scorching 140°F to a bone-chilling minus 40°F within Ford's specialized atmospheric test chambers. If you have any more questions, please contact Malouf Ford. We would love to assist you with any inquiries about maintaining your EV in harsh weather.


Contact

Malouf Ford

2210 US Highway One
Directions North Brunswick, NJ 08902

  • Internet Sales: (732)532-3678
  • Service: (732) 951-0400
  • Parts: (732) 951-0500
  1. Malouf Ford

    2210 US Highway One
    North Brunswick, NJ 08902

    • Internet Sales: (732)532-3678
Loading Map...

Make an Inquiry

* Indicates a required field