In the News: EV Charging in Very Cold Weather
As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain traction, winter cold brings challenges that EV owners need to watch out for. Recent news articles from cold weather cities have highlighted the difficulties EVs face in freezing temperatures.
In this article, we'll explore the issues raised in these news pieces and dive into solutions recommended by EV manufacturers. Navigating cold weather charging requires a thoughtful approach, and understanding both the problems and potential solutions is key for a smooth winter driving experience.
Recent Headlines
"EV drivers wrestle with cold weather sapping their battery range" - NBC News, January 18, 2024
The NBC story reports that EVs are less efficient in extreme cold temperatures, reducing their range and charging capabilities.
"Electric Car Owners Confront a Harsh Foe: Cold Weather" - New York Times, January 18, 2024
This NY Times article discusses that freezing temperatures make EVs less efficient and decrease driving range, as learned by Chicago Tesla drivers.
"Cold weather can cut electric vehicle range and make charging tough. Here’s what you need to know" - PBS News Hour, January 19, 2024
The PBS article discusses the complications arising from extreme cold weather and the steps EV owners can take to work around the problem.
Potential Workarounds for Cold Weather Conditions
While these headlines sound daunting, there are some steps EV owners can take to reduce the impact of cold weather. Here are some solutions recommended by EV manufacturers:
Battery Preconditioning: EV manufacturers recommend using the battery preconditioning feature, allowing drivers to warm up the battery before starting the charging process. This enhances overall charging efficiency and mitigates the impact of cold temperatures. Preconditioning can take up to 30 minutes, depending on the vehicle and how cold it is, so make sure you plan accordingly.
Scheduled Charging During Off-Peak Hours: Charging during off-peak hours is recommended to provide a more stable power supply. This practice helps EVs overcome challenges associated with increased demand during peak hours, especially in extreme weather conditions.
Heated Charging Stations: Installing heated charging stations at home or using public stations equipped with heating capabilities can help keep the best battery temperature, allowing for faster and more efficient charging.
Adjusting Charging Sessions: Manufacturers suggest adjusting expectations for charging times in colder weather. Planning for longer charging sessions ensures EVs reach an adequate charge level, considering the potential slowdown in charging speed.
Keeping Vehicles Plugged in While Parked: EV owners are encouraged to keep their vehicles plugged in while parked in cold weather. Set the maximium charge level to 70-80%. This helps keep the battery's temperature at the right level and ensures a smoother charging experience when the vehicle is in use. Note: Leaving your EV plugged in is generally not harmful to the battery, but be sure to follow your car’s guidelines for charging and storage to maximize the battery's lifespan.
Practical Advice for Winter EV Charging
While on the surface, these cold weather challenges sound daunting, there are a lot of little things you can do to make charging your EV easier:
Stay Informed: Regularly check weather forecasts and plan charging sessions accordingly. Being aware of upcoming cold snaps or storms allows for better preparation.
Plan for Longer Stops: In cold weather, plan for longer charging sessions tbecause of slower charging speed. This ensures your EV has sufficient charge for your journey.
Use Charging Apps: Make sure you use popular EV charging apps that provide real-time information on station availability, temperature, and charging speed. This helps you make informed decisions about where and when to charge. Here are a few:
Invest in Thermal Covers: Consider using thermal covers for your EV's charging port to protect it from snow and freezing conditions, ensuring a hassle-free charging experience. A thermal blanket features an outer layer which reflects heat and sunlight for summer heat, with an inner layer that traps heat to help keep the car warmer when parked in the cold.
Final Thoughts
Addressing cold weather charging challenges requires a combination of manufacturer-recommended remedies and practical, proactive steps by EV owners. By understanding the issues, using available solutions, and staying prepared, EV enthusiasts can confidently embrace winter driving, ensuring their electric vehicles still are charged and ready to conquer the cold.