As temperatures plummet, dealers may wish to provide consumers with some electric vehicle battery reminders when driving in cold weather conditions — particularly where battery performance and reliability are concerned.
They can take a few cues from CTEK, a vehicle charging solutions company, which offered a few tips on winter battery care. In a news release, they said temperatures below freezing can reduce battery capacity by up to 60 per cent and potentially pave the way for unexpected breakdowns and stranded motorists.
“There’s no reason to worry about winter driving,” said Steve Hayes, President of CTEK North America, in a statement. “By following our simple battery care tips, drivers can hit the road with confidence, no matter how low the temperature drops.”
The company recommends pre-winter battery TLC, meaning that consumers should do a pre-winter — or, as we are in 2025 — a January battery check before the temperature plummets further. They suggest checking how the vehicle starts and if the electrical systems are working normally. CTEK said battery performance can decline by 35 per cent at freezing temperatures, and as much as 50 per cent in sub-zero conditions.
Another recommendation is to stay charged. “A fully charged battery sits at 12.72 volts, but letting the voltage drop below 12.4 volts can lead to sulphation, reducing the battery’s capacity and lifespan. Below 10.4 volts, the battery may not start your vehicle at all,” said the company in its update.
CTEK also advises creating a “charging” routine to charge the battery at least once a month, which can then help extend its life by up to three times. And they suggest investing in a portable charger.
“Now is the time for drivers to prepare themselves and their vehicles for the cold,” said Hayes in a statement. “With the right tools and routine maintenance, winter driving doesn’t have to be stressful.”
