Four tips for driving your EV in the snow

With many parts of the UK waking up to snow this morning and more weather warnings throughout the week, EV owners may be wondering how best to prepare for these conditions. For the most part, EV owners will be happy to know there aren’t too many differences they’ll have to take into account compared to petrol and diesel cars.

Before launching into our advice, it’s important to consider the Highway Code guidelines - first check your local weather forecast and warnings and avoid driving in icy or snowy conditions unless it’s essential. If you do need to drive, as with any car, some thoughtful preparation is needed to navigate snowy conditions. Here are our four tips to prepare for a safe and smooth drive in your EV.  

1. Plan ahead

If you have a long journey planned, make sure to factor in more frequent stops to charge along the way, as cold weather can decrease an EV’s range. According to research by What Car, drivers could expect a 15-20% decrease in miles in winter months and a greater drop in snowy or icy conditions.  

As with an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, a key part of planning ahead is preparing for the unexpected. It’s worthwhile keeping emergency supplies in your EV in winter in case of any unexpected breakdowns. This should include a blanket, torch, first aid kit, and warm clothes.  

2. Preheat your car

Many EVs have a pre-conditioning function which is especially helpful in these cold conditions. Beyond making the journey more comfortable for yourself, preheating your EV ensures the battery reaches its optimal temperature, improving its efficiency. Just remember to preheat while plugged in to make sure you set off with a full battery.  

3. Check your tyres

Regular tyre pressure checks are a necessity for any driver throughout the year, but in winter months the cold weather can cause tyre pressure to drop. Maintaining tyre pressure not only improves your stability on slippery roads, but also helps to maximise your battery life, since tyres consume more energy when they are not properly inflated.

If you find your journeys impacted by snow and ice each year, you could even consider investing in winter tyres to give your EV better grip and traction in adverse conditions.

4. Adjust your driving

As with any vehicle, you should adapt your driving in snowy conditions. Reducing your speed and leaving greater following distance between vehicles makes driving safer in snowy conditions while maximising your mileage. If your EV has an eco-driving mode, this will increase your EV’s range and reduce power consumption.  

With a few simple considerations, preparations and adjustments, driving your EV in winter should be straight forward and hassle-free. By planning ahead, pre-conditioning your car, checking your tyres, and adjusting your driving, you should be ready to enjoy a smooth journey. If you’re setting off in your EV this winter, why not download the Zest app to find a Zest charger near you - available on the App Store and Google Play.

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