Expert tips for EV drivers during the winter season

Winter isn’t coming, it’s already here, and with its chilly embrace comes a series of challenges for many Brits.

This is particularly so for those navigating the frosty open roads in an EV (electric vehicle).

Cool customers

Current estimates suggest that there are close to one million EVs cruising the streets of the UK. They are increasingly common sight amongst driving instructors looking to save fuel costs, protect the environment and also attract eco savvy young people wanting to learn to drive.

With the new regulation for car manufacturers ensuring that 22% of all sales are electric in 2024, the numbers of EVs on the roads are only going to expected to increase.

But the cold can not only chill the bones of us drivers, they can also cool the enthusiasm of the te motors too.

Warm up

Recognising the hurdles faced by EV owners during the colder months is key to happy motoring. The UK certainly can feel the cold in the winter months.

Group 1 Automotive have provided valuable tips and advice to assist electric vehicle drivers. While the coming weeks and months my challenge the mercury in the thermometer, they needn’t trouble the EVC.

Here are five tips to overcome any potential challenges that the winter months may throw at you. Instead, embrace winter driving with ease and efficiency:

Engage eco-mode

The majority of EV’s should have an eco-mode option, a feature that reduces the power output in the vehicle.

In the cold, winter months, it’s recommended to use eco-mode as often as possible in order to maintain the vehicles’ battery, and prolong its use.

Remember to charge

It may sound like a simple task, but remembering to keep your EV charged is a must in the winter months.

It’s recommended to not let the battery fall below 20% charge, as letting it drain can actually damage the car’s battery, and could potentially bring other issues that you don’t need to face in the cold.

If your EVs battery does run out, the car will enter failsafe mode, allowing you to have enough time to pull over, and stop safely.

However, if you fail to do this, and stop in the middle of the road, you could be hit with a £100 fine, and three points on your licence.

Harness the power of regenerative braking

Regenerative braking is a feature that essentially reverses the electric motors that propel the vehicle forward, and can help to save energy that may be used when not needed.

This option isn’t recommended in extreme snow and icy conditions, as this can cause the EV to slide.

Use alternative heating methods

A simple and effective way to maintain the power of your EV in the winter, is to switch to alternative heating methods, such as heated seats.

By doing this, you can use less power by heating the vehicle fully, and make the most of the energy that is available.

Simply slow down

This may be stating the obvious, but simply slowing down the vehicle is a highly effective way to get the most out of your battery.

This is especially important in harsh conditions, as slower driving can reduce any risks to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians in the area.

Be prepared

The effectiveness of these tips requires EV drivers to utilise them when navigating the icy UK roads this winter. As motoring speeds toward a fully electric future, then drivers need to be fully prepared. Its a different technology and experience that also require different attitudes and approaches.

“With the evolution of the automotive industry quickly turning into a fully electric fleet, it’s vital for EV drivers to understand their vehicles better,” say a spokesperson for Group 1 Automotive .

“Driving on icy roads is a task that no one enjoys, so these tips should help EV drivers to recognise any potential challenges that can occur, and offer an easy solution.

“By embracing these recommendations, EV drivers can not only enhance their winter driving experience, but also contribute to the ongoing transition towards a more sustainable automotive future.”