Charging Your Car in the Winter: Tips for Keeping Your EV Ready to Go

Winter weather can be tough on your electric vehicle (EV), especially when it comes to charging. Cold temperatures can affect your EV’s battery performance and charging efficiency. However, with a few simple tips, you can keep your car charged and ready to go all season long. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Park Your Car in a Garage or Shelter

Cold temperatures can reduce your EV’s battery range and make charging slower. Whenever possible, park your car in a garage or carport to keep it out of extreme cold. If you don’t have access to an indoor space, using a weatherproof car cover can help protect the battery and reduce charging issues.

2. Precondition Your Battery

Before charging, many EVs allow you to “precondition” the battery. This means warming up the battery to an optimal temperature for charging. Some EVs even offer remote preconditioning via a smartphone app, which is ideal for a quick charge when it’s cold outside. Check your car’s manual for preconditioning instructions.

3. Use a Level 2 Charger

While you can charge your EV using a standard 120V outlet (Level 1 charger), this is slow and inefficient, especially in winter. A Level 2 charger (240V) will charge your car faster, even in cold conditions. If you don’t already have one, consider installing a Level 2 charger at home for better efficiency.

4. Keep Your Battery Above 20%

Cold weather can reduce battery life if it’s consistently charged too low. Aim to keep your battery charge above 20% during winter. If you’re not going to use your car for an extended period, consider keeping it between 50-80% for optimal battery health.

5. Avoid Fast Charging When Possible

While fast charging is convenient, it can generate heat, which may be less efficient in cold weather. If possible, try to use regular charging to preserve your battery health and ensure it charges more evenly.

6. Monitor Charging in Extreme Cold

If temperatures are exceptionally low (below 20°F or -6°C), the charging process may slow down. Some EVs automatically adjust charging speed in cold weather, but always monitor the process. If charging seems unusually slow, it could be a sign that the battery needs more time to warm up.

7. Use Eco Mode for Energy Conservation

Most EVs have an “Eco” driving mode that helps conserve battery life, especially in colder weather. If you’re planning a long drive, switch to Eco mode to help extend your range and make the most of your charge.

8. Check Your Tire Pressure

Cold weather causes tire pressure to drop, which can affect your EV’s range. Make sure your tires are properly inflated to improve efficiency and prevent additional strain on your battery.

Charging your electric vehicle in winter doesn’t have to be difficult. By following these simple tips—such as preconditioning your battery, using a Level 2 charger, and keeping the battery at an optimal charge—you can ensure your EV stays ready to drive even in the coldest months. With a little care, your EV will perform efficiently all winter long.

For any and all electrical needs, Nexus is here to help!