7 Winter Driving Tips For Cross-country Tips Especially For Electric Vehicles

1. Preparing Your Electric Vehicle for Winter

One of the most important winter driving tips for electric vehicle (EV) owners is preparation. Cold temperatures can significantly affect the performance of an EV, especially when traveling long distances across the country. The colder the weather, the faster the battery drains. Research shows that an EV battery can lose up to 41% of its range in temperatures below 20°F. In addition to cold reducing battery life, snow, ice, and slush add resistance to your vehicle’s movement, which also drains more power. To minimize these effects, ensure that your EV is fully charged before starting your journey and that you have planned for charging stations along your route. Additionally, pre-warming the cabin while your vehicle is still plugged in helps to conserve battery power while on the road.

2. Monitoring Your Battery’s Range and Performance

One of the major concerns for EV drivers during cross-country trips in the winter is range anxiety. This becomes more pronounced in colder weather when energy consumption is higher. Keeping a close eye on your battery range is critical for avoiding unpleasant surprises on the road. EVs come equipped with advanced battery management systems that help drivers monitor energy consumption in real-time. Use these systems to track not only how much energy you're using but also how the terrain, road conditions, and external temperature are affecting your battery. A study by AAA found that electric vehicle range decreases by about 12% at 20°F compared to optimal conditions of 75°F. Be sure to have a backup plan for charging, such as knowing where the nearest charging stations are, especially in rural areas.

3. Reducing Energy Consumption During the Trip

Managing your energy consumption while on the road is another vital part of winter driving in an electric vehicle. EV owners should be mindful of how they use the heating system. The car’s heater can drain significant power, especially when driving long distances. If possible, rely more on heated seats and steering wheels rather than the full cabin heater. Heated seats and steering wheels consume far less energy. Furthermore, maintaining a steady speed can help conserve battery power. Abrupt acceleration or deceleration forces your EV to expend more energy than smooth, steady driving. According to a study from the U.S. Department of Energy, reducing speed by 10 mph can improve energy efficiency by up to 14% in cold conditions.

4. Adjusting Tire Pressure for Optimal Grip

Proper tire maintenance is always essential for winter driving, but it’s even more crucial for electric vehicles because the added weight of the battery pack means traction plays a larger role in maintaining control of the vehicle. One of the lesser-known winter driving tips is to check your tire pressure frequently, as tires tend to lose pressure in colder temperatures. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), tire pressure drops by 1-2 psi for every 10°F decrease in temperature. Driving with low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, which not only drains the battery faster but also makes your vehicle harder to control on slippery roads. To improve traction and stability, ensure your tires are properly inflated and switch to winter or snow tires, which are designed to perform better in cold and icy conditions.

5. Planning Charging Stops Carefully

When embarking on a cross-country journey during winter, careful planning of charging stops is a must. In cold weather, your EV will require more frequent charging, and certain areas may not have charging stations readily available. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, there are over 130,000 public charging ports available across the U.S., but their distribution is uneven, especially in more remote or rural areas. To avoid getting stranded, use apps or online tools that help you map out charging stations along your route. Some apps even provide real-time updates on station availability, so you can adjust your plan if a particular station is in use. The key is to always leave some battery buffer in case of unforeseen circumstances, such as road closures or detours.

6. Keeping Emergency Supplies Handy

Winter driving can be unpredictable, and this is especially true for cross-country trips. Keeping emergency supplies in your vehicle is one of the most important winter driving tips you can follow. Items like blankets, gloves, a flashlight, food, and water are crucial if you find yourself stuck in a snowstorm or if your vehicle breaks down far from a service station. Additionally, portable chargers or power banks can be lifesavers if you need to charge your phone or other essential devices. EV drivers should also carry a tow rope and snow chains, as winter weather can sometimes require assistance from other vehicles to get unstuck. While EVs are becoming increasingly reliable, it's always better to be prepared for the unexpected.

7. Taking Advantage of Regenerative Braking

One of the unique benefits of electric vehicles, especially in winter conditions, is regenerative braking. This system converts some of the energy lost during braking back into the battery, extending your driving range. In snowy or icy conditions, regenerative braking also helps improve control by providing a smoother deceleration. However, be mindful of how aggressive your vehicle’s regenerative braking is set. Some settings can cause the wheels to lock up on slippery roads, making it harder to control the vehicle. Many EVs allow drivers to adjust the level of regenerative braking, so you can reduce its intensity when driving on icy or snow-covered roads.

Vehicle Transportation vs Driving in Winter Season

Vehicle transportation is often a safer and more convenient alternative to driving during winter months. Winter weather can lead to hazardous road conditions, including icy patches, heavy snowfall, and poor visibility, which increase the risk of accidents. Using vehicle transportation services reduces the stress and responsibility of going through these challenging conditions. Professional vehicle shipping drivers are typically trained and well-experienced to handle adverse weather, and transport services often have vehicles equipped with winter-ready features like snow tires and enhanced traction systems. 

Cross-country winter driving in an electric vehicle can be challenging, but by following these tips and preparing your EV properly, you can navigate even the harshest conditions safely. From monitoring your battery’s performance to keeping essential emergency supplies on hand, these practical winter driving tips will help ensure that your journey is smooth, efficient, and as stress-free as possible.