Winter EV Driving Tips from Akins Ford

As the season shifts and temperatures drop, preparing your vehicle for winter is important. Here at Akins Ford, your trusted Ford dealership near Winder, GA, we understand that colder weather doesn’t have to mean compromising the performance of your electric vehicle. Our experts have put together a comprehensive guide on Winter EV driving tips to help you travel with confidence and maximize your battery range and performance in the snow and ice.

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Preparing Your EV for the Cold

To give your electric vehicle the best advantage against freezing conditions, you should always aim to store it in a sheltered location. Therefore, parking your EV in a garage, if possible, is a great starting point. Consequently, maintaining a warmer storage temperature helps boost both battery and vehicle performance. Furthermore, since your Ford EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, you can safely warm up the cabin even while the vehicle is garaged. Conversely, if you lack garage access, look for covered parking structures or try to find street spots that receive morning sun to naturally warm your vehicle.

A man charging his Ford EV during a winter snowstorm. Properly charging your EV is one of the key winter EV driving tips.

Optimizing Range and Performance

A significant tip for driving an EV in the winter is managing energy consumption effectively. Therefore, to ensure top performance, remove all snow from the vehicle before driving. This action is crucial not only for visibility but also because it reduces air resistance and weight, thus helping conserve range.

Additionally, to optimize both charging efficiency and consistent vehicle performance, you should precondition your vehicle. Preconditioning adjusts the battery temperature to an ideal state before you start driving or charging. This is easily done via the Ford app:

Open the Ford app and select the “Energy” tab.

Set a “Departure time” under “Charge settings.”

If the vehicle is plugged in, the cabin and battery will automatically precondition by the set time.

If you are not plugged in, choose the “Prepare cabin off plug” option to prepare cabin comfort settings (note that battery preconditioning requires the vehicle to be plugged in).

Moreover, keep your vehicle plugged in when parked for extended periods, such as overnight. This helps maintain battery health and prevents unnecessary range loss, as the vehicle keeps the battery temperature above freezing.

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Drive Mode and Tire Safety for Safe Winter EV Driving

When winter weather arrives, switching to the appropriate drive mode makes a difference in handling. For instance, Mustang Mach-E owners should use Whisper Mode, which decreases accelerator responsiveness, promotes gentler deceleration, and provides better control on slippery surfaces. Alternatively, F-150 Lightning drivers can utilize Slippery Mode, which recalibrates traction controls to reduce wheel spin. However, when driving on extremely slick roads, consider using traditional two-pedal driving instead of one-pedal drive for a more familiar experience.

Indeed, ensuring your tires are at the proper pressure is non-negotiable for safe Winter EV driving tips. Proper inflation maximizes your range and ensures the correct tire surface area is gripping the road. Also, remember to limit high speeds, when possible, as this negatively impacts the range in all weather conditions. By implementing these suggestions, you can confidently prepare your electric vehicle to tackle the challenges of colder weather.

Discover Your Next Electric Vehicle at Akins Ford

We trust that these Winter EV driving tips give you the peace of mind you need to take on the chilliest months. In conclusion, preparing your vehicle with preconditioning, maintaining proper tire pressure, and utilizing smart driving modes are straightforward yet highly effective strategies. If you are considering joining the electric revolution or want to upgrade your current model, we invite you to explore the exhilarating lineup of electric and hybrid vehicles available at Akins Ford. We offer popular models like the capable Mustang Mach-E and the powerful F-150 Lightning, all built to handle the road ahead. Our team is ready to answer your questions and help you find the perfect EV for your lifestyle.