Cart 0
Cart 0

7 Winter Travel Tips to Help You Prepare for a Smooth Journey


7 Winter Travel Tips to Help You Prepare for a Smooth Journey

As temperatures drop and snow begins to fall, winter travel can present unique challenges for electric vehicle (EV) drivers. From reduced range to slower charging times, cold weather requires extra preparation. But with the right strategies, you can enjoy a safe, smooth, and stress-free journey. Here are our top tips to help you stay on course during your winter adventures.

Plan Your Route with Extra Care

Winter driving with an EV requires careful planning, particularly when it comes to range and charging. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Map Charging Stations Ahead of Time: Use apps like Electric Avenue or PlugShare to identify charging stations along your route and plan stops accordingly. Account for potential delays due to weather and allow extra time for charging.

  2. Account for Reduced Range: Cold weather can significantly impact your EV’s range, sometimes reducing it by up to 40%. If your vehicle typically gets 200 miles per charge, plan for about 120 miles during winter trips. This ensures you have a realistic understanding of how far you can travel between stops.

  3. Choose Shorter or Scenic Routes: Instead of long highway trips, opt for shorter routes or local destinations. Exploring closer locations reduces range anxiety and keeps you near charging options if needed.

Maximize EV Features for Winter Performance

Take full advantage of your EV’s built-in tools to make winter driving easier: 

  1. Preconditioning the Battery and Cabin: Warm up your EV while it’s still plugged in. This feature not only ensures a cozy cabin but also optimizes battery performance by maintaining its ideal temperature—helping you preserve range before hitting the road.

  2. Leverage Regenerative Braking: Regenerative braking is especially helpful in winter. By slowing your car using the motor, it recharges the battery slightly and provides smoother deceleration. This reduces the risk of skidding on icy or slippery roads, making your drive safer.

Keep Your EV Winter-Ready

Proper maintenance and preparation are key to ensuring your EV performs well in cold conditions:

  1. Tire Maintenance: Switch to winter tires for better traction on snow and ice, and regularly check tire pressure. Cold temperatures can cause tire pressure to drop, increasing rolling resistance and reducing efficiency.

  2. Protect Your EV from the Elements: Park indoors or in sheltered areas whenever possible to prevent the battery from getting too cold. If indoor parking isn’t an option, consider using an insulated car cover to help keep the cabin and battery warmer.

Drive More Efficiently

Adapting your driving style to winter conditions can make a big difference in range and safety: 

  1. Accelerate Gradually: Sudden acceleration drains the battery quickly. Smooth, gradual acceleration helps conserve energy and improves overall efficiency.

  2. Reduce Speed: Driving at lower speeds reduces wind resistance and conserves range, especially on highways.

  3. Minimize Weight: Remove unnecessary items from your car to reduce weight and improve range. If you’re using a roof rack, pack only essential items to minimize aerodynamic drag.

Be Prepared for Emergencies

Even with careful planning, unexpected situations can arise. Be ready with a well-stocked emergency kit:

  1. Pack Essentials: Include blankets, water, snacks, a flashlight, and a portable phone charger to keep you safe and comfortable during delays.

  2. Consider a Portable EV Charger: Having a portable Level 1 or Level 2 charger can be a lifesaver if you're unable to find a charging station.

Plan for More Frequent Stops

In winter, shorter driving stretches with regular breaks can be more effective than pushing your battery to its limit.

  1. Break Up Long Trips: Frequent charging stops keep your battery in better condition and allow flexibility for unexpected delays. Use these pauses to recharge yourself too—grab a warm drink, stretch, and relax.

  2. Prioritize Comfortable Stops: Look for charging stations with amenities like cafes or attractions nearby. Turning charging time into a mini-break makes the journey more enjoyable.

Consider Destination Charging Over Highway Charging

Destination charging can be more convenient and less stressful in winter:

  1. Book Accommodations with Charging Options: Many hotels, resorts, and tourist spots offer EV charging as an amenity. Charging overnight ensures you start each day with a full battery, saving time and avoiding crowded highway stations.

  2. Avoid Peak Times at Public Chargers: High-traffic highway stations can become congested, especially during the holidays. Charging at your destination minimizes wait times and streamlines your trip.

Enjoy a Safe and Comfortable Winter Journey

Winter travel in an EV can be just as enjoyable as in warmer months with the right preparation. By planning for reduced range, maintaining your tires, driving efficiently, and packing for emergencies, you’ll have a smooth and efficient road trip.