Over the last decade there has been a growing interest that borders on appreciation of electric vehicles (EVs). Automakers, who were initially skeptical about electric cars, are now investing billions in manufacturing them. This is mainly because battery-powered electric vehicles (BEVs), which run solely on electricity, have the potential to reduce transport-related greenhouse gas emissions as well as oil consumption by replacing electricity with gasoline as a fuel source. Early electric vehicles (EVs) relied on lead-acid batteries, but modern EVs primarily use lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. Because of their relatively high specific energy, high power density, and low self-discharge, lithium-ion batteries are the preferred choice for WALK Both manufacturers and customers.
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However, there are some obstacles to the widespread adoption of these vehicles. In addition to price, range anxiety is a key factor in consumer willingness to switch to electric vehicles. At the same time, battery performance is greatly affected by temperature. Low temperatures not only minimize available power output and battery performance, but can also lead to permanent degradation. In the colder months, the battery's internal resistance increases, reducing the amount of energy that can be drawn from it. Other factors that contribute to poor battery performance in extreme cold include increased electrolyte viscosity and lithium plating. However, these disadvantages can be mitigated if the right precautions are taken at the right time. Since no one wants their vehicle to break down every season, especially in cold and snowy climates, here are some general EV maintenance tips during the winter season:
Park your electric vehicle in a garage
Parking in the driveway or curb is apparently convenient, but for EV drivers who own a garage, securing the machine indoors in the cold can make a world of difference. The relative warmth of the garage helps the battery maintain optimal strength for longer. Also, a battery left in a harsh climate for an extended period of time will perform less well than a battery stored in a warmer environment. This also applies to parking garages in shopping centers or other places where you have the option of parking inside instead of leaving it outside to the weather.
Warm up your car in the morning
Most electric vehicles come with mobile apps that you can use to preheat your vehicle. The preconditioning avoids the often painful first few minutes in the cold car, when you prefer to switch off the energy-intensive heating. So if you turn on your vehicle's heater before you set off, the interior will be warmed to your preferred temperature while the battery is warmed for greater efficiency. However, it is highly recommended to do this while the car is still charging to avoid using extra battery power to heat up the vehicle.
Do not quickly charge your electric vehicle in cold weather
As mentioned above, lithium plating is a battery's worst enemy in winter conditions. However, the phenomenon worsens when the circulating current is high. Therefore, it is not recommended to quickly charge your scooter when the outside temperature is below freezing. If you plan to drive your electric vehicle a lot, fully charge it overnight with Level 1 charging. This not only ensures a full charge in the morning, but also provides a trickle charge current that may not damage the battery.
Check your tires
Tire pressure naturally decreases by one pound per square inch (PSI) for every ten degrees drop in ambient temperature. So the colder it is, the lower the PSI of your tires. So, before the blizzard hits, make sure your tires are properly inflated to your vehicle manufacturer's recommendations, the tread is correct, there is no uneven wear, and the rubber is in good condition. It should be noted that tire rubber deteriorates after a few years and old tires should be replaced even if they have the power to drive your vehicle. Regardless of the season, check your tires regularly at least once a month and always before a long journey.
Use Eco mode
Unlike conventional cars, electric vehicles do not have a petrol engine, so there is no additional waste heat to warm the interior of the car. If you're going on a winter trip, leaving the heater on full blast will drain your battery quickly. However, this problem can be solved by driving in Eco mode, which minimizes energy consumption by limiting power to the traction motor and cab air conditioning systems. To keep your body warm, you can also use the seat heating function. This could increase the range of your electric vehicle and you will have to charge it less often.
Use regenerative braking
Regenerative braking is extremely beneficial at any time of the year, but especially during the colder months when you need to optimize battery performance and range. If your electric vehicle has regenerative braking, it will gradually replenish the battery charge as you slow down, increasing standby time. Another benefit of regenerative braking is that it reduces the risk of losing control of your vehicle on slippery roads. This is because the engine gradually slows the vehicle down to a standstill. This makes driving electric cars in winter much safer and more reliable than driving conventional vehicles with combustion engines.
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