As consumers continue to ponder electric vehicles and concerns around vehicle range, charging infrastructure, and cold weather driving, dealers may wish to double down on their knowledge sharing — particularly as winter creeps in.
In a news release, Electrify Canada said it is important for drivers to understand the nuances of EV ownership in cold weather. “Charging in cold weather may take longer because the lower temperatures affect the vehicle’s battery charging capacity. It just takes some adjustment to your normal charging routine and a little planning,” they said.
The company shared five tips to keep an EV on the move this winter, which dealers may find useful. The first is that dealers may wish to advise potential and current clients to anticipate longer charging sessions. “The vehicle controls the charging speeds, not the charger. When temperatures are low, the EV’s software reduces its charging power,” said Electrify Canada.
They also suggest mentioning that temperature changes could impact the vehicle’s range, and that some EVs can predict range reductions during extreme temperatures. In this case, they can even adjust the console display to reflect these changes. Although, consumers should still be advised to plan their charging session in advance, and to park indoors when possible.
Finally, Electrify Canada also recommends consumers utilize their EV’s cold weather features. “Some EVs have a pre-conditioning feature that allows drivers to program or manually warm the battery to more optimal temperatures.”
The more knowledge shared with consumers, the more their confidence in EVs will grow. Dealers can help ease their EV troubles by providing more tips prior to the winter season.
