How to save range in winter
The range of electric cars drops significantly in sub-zero temperatures. However, there are a few things you can do to save as many remaining kilometers as possible from the battery. Here are a few measures that can help.
Electric cars and freezing cold - that's a combination that's not much fun. Because even if the vernacular likes to exaggerate and you neither become a glacier corpse just because you are stuck in a traffic jam with a battery-powered car, nor a marathon runner against your will because the battery is already on its knees at the garage exit, the cold dramatically affects performance: the range is reduced with every degree of outside temperature and, in return, charging times become longer and longer. However, a few simple measures can save a lot of range and time at the socket.
1. warm up first, then drive off
Driving an electric car in winter is like doing sport: if you warm up first, you'll get further. This is because all electric cars have a parking heater, which can usually be controlled via a smartphone app or at least programmed in the on-board computer. When the car is connected to the charging station, no electricity is consumed from the battery when it is first warmed up and it starts with cozy warmth. This is even more important for anyone who doesn't park in the garage.
And of course: don't forget to clear the snow. And not just on the windows this time. After all, it's not just about visibility, but also about weight and air resistance. The more snow, the more the engine has to haul - and the less distance it can travel.
2. heating with brains
To keep the energy consumption for the comfort functions as low as possible, electric car drivers should switch on their brains before the heating - and only heat up those areas of the car that are actually being used. If you are sitting alone and can adjust the settings accordingly, simply leave out the rear, for example.
In addition, the closer the heat source, the more comfortable it feels. It is therefore better to switch on the seat or steering wheel heating instead of heating the air in the car. This is quicker and uses less energy.
3. better to go long once than short several times
When it comes to driving itself, you should adjust your route planning and, if possible, combine individual short trips into long trips. This is because the interior and battery cool down during long downtimes between short trips and have to be reheated again and again.
4. only cuddle up to the cable
There are also a few things to bear in mind when charging: If you can, preheat your battery to increase the charging capacity. If this is not possible, it is best to charge immediately after a long journey, as the battery will already be at temperature.
And last but not least, we recommend taking a look at the operating instructions. Some manufacturers provide precise instructions for the winter and warn, for example, against parking the car with an empty battery in frosty conditions.
5. in a traffic jam: wait and see and drink tea
At the latest in winter traffic jams - or so the preconception goes - electric mobility is finally over.
While the combustion engines become a wellness oasis, heating up to sauna temperature, while the ambient lighting shimmers and the entertainment runs at full speed, electric car drivers cling to a warm cup of tea from the thermos with clammy fingers, shivering in the dark and having to push in the end because, of course, the battery is empty: Nonsense, says the ADAC and refers to measurements according to which electric cars need around 1.5 to 20 kW of power to constantly warm the interior to 20 degrees at minus 10 degrees outside.
In a twelve-hour traffic jam, electricity consumption of 18 to 24 kilowatt hours can therefore be expected. Most electric cars today have significantly larger batteries, the experts say. This means that e-drivers can relax, wait and drink tea - or even brew a fresh cup of coffee in between with the help of the external power connection available in many e-cars.
Read also:
- In the realm of electromobility, ADAC has provided valuable advice for electric car owners facing winter's challenging conditions. They suggest preheating electric cars using their parking heaters, which can be controlled via smartphone apps or on-board computers, to save energy and increase range.
- As automotive technology continues to evolve, ADAC emphasizes the importance of electric car drivers making informed choices about heating their vehicles in winter. They recommend focusing on heating essential areas like seats and steering wheels, as these strategies can reduce energy consumption significantly.
Source: www.ntv.de
