● The Electric Car Scheme offers expert advice for EV drivers in cold weather
● The salary sacrifice provider also explains how to dodge fines during icy conditions
The Electric Car Scheme has shared its top tips for electric vehicle owners to handle cold weather, prepare for extended trips, and avoid penalties.
This winter, the UK has already seen multiple waves of icy weather, and forecasts suggest this pattern will continue throughout February. Many weather experts predict temperatures will drop well below freezing across much of the country in the coming weeks. With this in mind, salary sacrifice EV provider The Electric Car Scheme has provided essential advice for drivers this February.
Winter Journey Preparation
Cold weather impacts EVs in several ways, but the most critical factor is its effect on your car’s battery. Low temperatures can decrease battery efficiency by around 15%, so it’s vital to factor this into your journey planning and charging stops.
To reduce this impact, there are a few steps you can take. If you have a garage, make sure it’s properly insulated. This will help keep your car and its battery warmer while charging overnight, when energy costs are lowest.
If you don’t have access to indoor parking, many EVs feature a pre-conditioning function that allows you to warm up the battery before driving. If your car has this feature, use it to ensure the battery performs optimally, especially in winter. Pre-conditioning while still plugged in can reduce energy loss and improve range. However, never leave your car unlocked or unattended during this process, as it increases the risk of theft and could void your insurance.
Driving Advice
Once you’re on the road, driving carefully will help you stay safe and conserve battery life. Lowering your speed slightly from 70mph to around 65mph can significantly boost your EV’s range and efficiency, while also giving you and other drivers more time to react to icy or slushy roads. Additionally, using ECO Driving Mode (or a similar setting) adjusts acceleration and power delivery, preserving the battery and preventing sudden speed changes or wheelspin.
When it comes to staying warm in the car, it’s important to strike a balance. Staying warm is crucial for maintaining alertness and driving safely, but wearing too many layers that restrict your movement can be risky.
Rather than turning the heating up to maximum, consider using heated seats and steering wheels, which are more energy-efficient, particularly if you’re driving alone. While bulky coats aren’t ideal in the car, wearing an extra layer and avoiding shorts is a smart move for long drives.
Steering Clear of Fines
Winter driving also raises the risk of breaking Highway Code rules and incurring fines. For instance, if it’s been snowing, make sure to clear all snow and ice from your windscreen and windows before driving. Neglecting this could result in a breach of rule 229 of the Highway Code and a fine.
While wearing a warm coat or jacket isn’t against the rules, removing it while driving after the car has warmed up could lead to a £100 on-the-spot fine. This is because it may cause drivers to take their hands off the wheel, which is considered dangerous. It could also result in three penalty points on your licence if caught.
Lastly, if you’re stopping to charge your EV in cold weather, take the time to do so safely, even if it means enduring the cold a bit longer. According to Highway Code rule 239, EV drivers must park close to charge points and avoid creating trip hazards for pedestrians. Failing to do so could result in a fine of up to £130.
The Electric Car Scheme CEO and Co-Founder Thom Groot commented:
“EV drivers specifically need to be aware that cold temperatures impact their range. Accelerating gradually and maintaining consistent speeds will not only maximise your energy efficiency but also help reduce the risks of winter hazards, like icy or wet roads.
“Staying safe and avoiding fines often go hand in hand, but during cold weather, it’s important not to let simple things or time-saving measures in the cold catch you out. Staying a little bit warmer, or not spending the time clearing your windows and windscreen totally is simply not worth the fine or penalty points you could incur. EVs are as safe and winter-appropriate as any car, as long as you know how to look after them and understand the differences ahead of time.”
