Electric car owners have been urged to take one measure to boost their vehicle’s range in winter (Image: Getty)
An has offered a simple yet effective tip to help motorists avoid being stranded .
Whilst the switch from a or to an is easier than many expect, some changes can be confusing for inexperienced motorists.
The vehicle leasing firm suggested that one way electric car owners can prepare for journeys in cold weather is to ensure that their batteries have plenty of charges.
They advised: “Whether you’re a or one of the thousands who made the switch this year, electric vehicle drivers need to take particular care as their vehicle will respond differently under these conditions to a petrol or diesel vehicle.
“It’s widely known that lose some of their range in the colder winter weather, as they tend to perform best between 20-30 degrees Celsius.”
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When charging, drivers should preheat the battery to optimise the range in cold weather (Image: Getty)
Much like the lead acid battery inside a petrol or diesel-powered cars, EV battery packs lose charge at a notably faster rate in cold weather as fewer chemical reactions are able to take place.
While almost all electric models have systems to heat up the battery to its optimal working temperature, drivers should expect a range reduction of up to 20 per cent.
Similar to fuel consumption in a petrol or diesel model, a reduction in range is most notable when an EV is regularly used for short journeys that do not allow the battery to heat up for enough time.
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EV owners should limit their use of the heater, instead using other functions like the heated seats (Image: Getty)
Drivers should try to preheat the battery pack in their electric car before each journey to help preserve as much range as possible.
A feature that is becoming increasingly popular in the latest models, preheating uses power from the mains to warm up the battery and, in many cases, the interior.
Similarly, drivers should limit their use of features that may strain the battery pack, such as the heating and air conditioning system, and plan longer routes so they are never too far from a charger.
When charging their car, Ayvens suggested that drivers give themselves some extra time to allow the battery to warm up.
They added: “The low temperatures can also affect charging as the battery needs to warm up first before it can charge at faster speeds.
“This can result in at-home charging taking an hour or longer, whilst rapid charging in public may also take an extra 15 minutes or so.”