How Are Electric Cars in the Winter?

Cadillac continues to lead the way with American luxury EVs, and that’s readily apparent with the all-new 2023 Cadillac Lyriq. This world-class sedan comes in RWD or AWD versions, and this electrifying model is a joy to behold and drive.

You won’t have to worry about oil changes, radiator flushes, and rattling noises that might come from a loose engine part. And the cost to charge your Lyriq is a lot less than the price of gas as you travel along Williamstown roads or head to your weekend getaway in the Catskills.

The team at Cadillac Of Turnersville wants you to get the best out of your new EV by understanding how winter affects electric cars when cold weather sets in, and you need to heat your cabin. To ensure you utilize most of your electric vehicle battery range during frigid weather, the experts at Cadillac Of Turnersville cover everything you need to know in our handy guide.

What Impacts Electric Vehicle Battery Range in the Winter?

As temperatures plummet in NJ as they do every winter, your electric vehicle battery requires more energy to move the car during your Sicklerville commute. It will also need more energy to heat the inside of the cabin. Studies indicate that using your electric vehicle’s cabin heater lowers the battery range by as much as 41 percent! Batteries on electric cars in cold climates can use around 20 percent of power just to get heated enough to work properly, reducing the efficiency of your EV.

For these reasons alone, you’ll want to pay closer attention to the charge on your electric vehicle. Make sure you use best practices so as not to drain your battery too fast or be too far away from a charging station in the winter.

How to Maximize Electric Vehicle Battery Range in the Winter

Just because the winter months are challenging for electric cars in cold weather, that doesn’t mean you can’t get the most out of your Lyriq in Sicklerville. Discover some tips on how to conserve your electric vehicle battery power while keeping your car heated in frigid months, so you can get the most out of your electric car in a cold climate:

1. Keep your car parked in a garage throughout the colder months if you can. This will keep your battery warmer and use less electricity to heat up. Do electric cars lose charge when parked? Not necessarily, but it will take more electricity to get your car going in the winter months.
2. Set a charging time for your vehicle using your mobile app. That way, you know your vehicle is always charged and ready to go.
3. Slow down and take advantage of one-pedal driving, meaning only the accelerator and easing off the pedal to slow down, when possible to reduce the amount of power used as you drive and brake.
4. Preheat your vehicle when it’s still plugged in at your house.
5. Lower the heat settings so as not to waste battery power during winter months. Make the warm air as cool as you can tolerate.
6. Always keep your car charged at a minimum of 50 percent, so reserve power can heat the battery before starting it. Anything less may cause problems.
7. Utilize standard heat settings that target the driver and passengers directly.
8. Inflate your tires to the proper pressure for better battery performance. Because EVs can be heavier than internal combustion vehicles, tires are very important.
9. Use “ECON-modes” to reduce the amount of energy sent to the motor and heaters.
10. Have a backup plan for long road trips. Know where the nearest charging station for when it’s time to recharge. You can always use your vehicle’s onboard GPS to guide you to the nearest charging station.

Learn More About Electric Car Care in Winter

Discover more ways to care for your electric car in winter at Cadillac Of Turnersville. Our team is ready to give you tips about the optimal use of your electric vehicle at any time of year.

Interested in something else? Check out our new vehicle specials. Need to prep your car for winter? Our service specials and coupons offer reduced pricing on maintenance to keep your vehicle running in top shape. Call (856) 432-2422 today for more information. We’re happy to help our Mullica Hill neighbors in any way!