A Guide to Caring For Your EV During the Winter

The winds of winter are blowing in full force, and we’re all making the proper adjustments. The heat is cranked up, the salt is spread across the sidewalk, and the winter wardrobe has once again taken up residence in the closet. Meanwhile, perhaps you’ve noticed that your Nissan Ariya isn’t purring as crisply as it does during warmer months.

Considering that even traditional car batteries struggle against the winter climate, it should come as no surprise that electric vehicle owners need to stay extra attentive to their vehicle’s needs this time of year. Your EV’s range and performance will inevitably drop a little until the weather warms up, but by applying these maintenance techniques, you’ll be able to remain on the road and worry-free. 

Don’t Let Your Battery Dip Below 20% 

Due to lower battery performance and increased energy consumption, EV owners can anticipate a 20-30% decrease in range during the winter. This is to be expected, as the lithium ions in electric batteries slow down when the temperature decreases. EV batteries aren’t that different from the human body; they naturally prefer warmer weather, with optimal temperatures of 59-95 degrees Fahrenheit.  

So, what to do when winter intervenes? First, as an important precautionary measure, don’t let your battery fall below a 20% charge. Since batteries are more susceptible to sudden depletion in the winter, letting the charge dip below 20% is an inherent risk. Keep your car charging when not in use whenever possible, and don’t allow even the possibility of getting stranded in the cold.

Park Indoors When Possible 

If you own a garage or a similar storage unit, try to keep your car parked inside for the duration of winter. Of course, many of us have no option other than keeping our car parked on the street. If that’s the case, keep the battery active by starting it at least once a day, rather than leaving it parked for extended stretches. If you have no choice but to leave it parked for several days, make sure the battery is charged to at least 70% to avoid degradation while idle. 

When your car is parked and charging – or charging at home – try to avoid fast (or DC) charging. It may seem inconvenient and counterintuitive, but it’s healthier for the battery to charge at slower speeds during the winter. Level 1 charging, generally the slowest charging option, is actually the preferable option for charging in the cold. Additionally, remember to leave your EV in ECO mode. 

Monitor Heat Levels 

Preheat your EV while you’re preparing to leave for work or daily errands. By increasing the heat slowly you alleviate some of the pressure from the battery once you start moving. Charging your car while you heat it is preferable when possible, as the power will draw from the charger instead of the battery, maximizing your range for the day. 

Once the car is heated, try to be conservative with it; consider taking advantage of your heated seat instead. Your range will only decrease if your heat is constantly being pushed to its maximum. Trust what your body is telling you – and certainly don’t allow yourself to become uncomfortable – but be as gentle with your heater as you can. After all, it doesn’t like the winter anymore than you do.

Remember That Steven Nissan is Always Here to Help 

Here at Steven Nissan, we’re fully committed to getting our customers through winter unscathed. Make sure to explore your tire options, as winter tires are another surefire method to increase your range in the cold. And for whatever else your EV needs – from new batteries to simple oil changes – Steven Nissan is here to get the job done right.

Stay warm, Rocktown.