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Whether you’re a new EV owner in Minneapolis or shopping for your very first electric car in St. Paul, you might have some questions about electric cars in cold weather. How does winter affect EV range? Do electric cars lose charge when parked? The service team at White Bear Lake Superstore is here to give you all the information that you need about electric cars in cold climates, including plenty of tips and tricks to make the most out of the season!
Both gas-powered and electric cars in winter can have occasional battery issues. That’s because automotive batteries rely on a chemical reaction to generate power, and this reaction is much slower in the cold weather. FuelEconomy.gov found that conventional gasoline vehicles typically have a 20% reduction in fuel economy at 20°F.
However, this impacts electric cars in cold climates even more. Why? Gas-powered vehicles produce heat from internal combustion engines, but EVs only have electric motors. That means EVs run even colder. Plus, some electric batteries – like lithium-ion designs – don’t work as effectively when temperatures drop significantly. This effect is even more pronounced when using the other electrical systems heavily. According to an AAA study, “At 20 degrees, the average driving range fell by 12 percent when the car’s cabin heater was not used. When the heater was turned on, the range dropped by 41 percent.”
What about electric cars in storage? Do electric cars lose charge when parked? The answer is not really. Plugin Report reported that with a battery half charged, an EV can sit for months and months without the need to plug in. But if you’re looking for a long-term storage solution, talk with our service center. We have plenty of options to keep your battery in top shape.
So, what are the best practices for owning an EV in the winter? Here are a few more tips to get the most out of electric cars in cold climates:
From exploring the benefits of electric cars to shopping our new vehicle inventory, White Bear Lake Superstore is here for your automotive needs all year long. Contact us with any questions about electric cars in cold climates, and feel free to stop by to chat in person!
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