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Winter driving can be challenging, especially in the UK, where we aren’t as well-versed in snowy or icy conditions. Electric vehicle (EV) owners might face extra fears about driving in winter as they wonder how to maximise range and maintain safety in the colder months. 

Whether you’re a seasoned EV driver or new to electric cars, these winter driving tips will help you turn up the heat on EV efficiency, safety, and comfort.

1. Drive smoothly for better efficiency

EV batteries can lose some of their efficiency in colder temperatures — though, only by a fraction. However, you can conserve energy by focusing on smooth acceleration and braking. 

Avoid sudden starts and stops, and aim to drive at a steady pace. This helps preserve battery life and improves overall driving performance, especially when roads are icy.

2. Activate eco mode to maximise range

Most EVs come with an eco mode setting designed to optimise energy use. This mode helps conserve battery power and, in turn, maximise range. 

Eco mode is best for driving at a slower pace, for daily commuting, or when you’re going on a longer drive. We won’t get into the nitty-gritty details of it but eco mode adjusts various settings such as throttle sensitivity and air conditioning to reduce energy consumption.

3. Keep your battery charged

In the winter, you may notice your EV’s battery range decrease slightly due to the cold. Avoid range anxiety by keeping your battery level topped up to 25% or higher.

If you’re planning a long trip, make note of EV charging points along your route. This will make sure you’re well prepared for any unexpected delays or if you forget to charge your battery earlier.

4. Cover up from ice and snow

We’ve all been there… franticly trying to deice the car before getting on the road, and ultimately setting off much later than planned. 

Getting in the habit of using a car cover or windscreen shield overnight can prevent snow and ice build-up. This will save you time in the morning and reduce strain on your battery from running the defroster and air conditioning for long periods.

5. Preheat your EV

Most EVs have a pre-conditioning feature that lets you warm up the cabin and battery while your car is still plugged in. 

Preheating your EV is a smart way to get your car to an optimal temperature without using up precious charge. This helps save energy and makes your commute much more pleasant on freezing cold days.

6. Use regenerative braking

Regenerative braking is a great feature offered by most EVs. As you tap your brakes to slow down or stop, your EV will use that braking motion to put energy back into its battery.

Regenerative braking helps you maintain control on icy roads while re-energising your battery. Check your EV to see if you can adjust the regenerative braking settings to suit your driving style and increase efficiency.

7. Keep tyre pressure in check

Cold temperatures can cause tyre pressure to drop. Low tyre pressure can negatively impact your EV’s performance, especially when it comes to range, handling, and energy efficiency.

Regularly check your tyre pressure throughout winter to make sure they’re inflated to the right level.

8. Give yourself extra space

Winter driving means longer stopping distances. When driving on icy or wet roads, always leave extra space between you and the vehicle in front. 

Make sure you have enough time to react to any potential hazards and reduce the risk of skidding. Giving yourself more space is also helpful for driving in low visibility conditions, such as snow, low light, or fog.

9. Think about traction

If you live in an area prone to snow or freezing rain, winter tyres are a must-have. Winter tyres offer better grip and traction on icy roads, helping you drive safely.

While they can be a bit of an upfront cost, the improved handling and safety they offer in winter conditions are worth the investment.

10. Plan ahead

Winter in the UK can be unpredictable. One day it’s blue-skied and sunny. Next thing you know, you’re experiencing everything from rain to hail, snow, fog, and more rain all in the space of 30 minutes. 

It’s always a good idea to plan your trips ahead of time. Give yourself more time than you need when driving in winter. Check the weather forecast, make sure you know where charging stations are located, and do all your pre-driving preparations before setting off. This will help make sure you and your EV are always ready to hit the road.

11. Keep your cool this winter

Driving an EV in winter can be easy-breezy when you follow these simple tips for keeping your EV at its best. Plan ahead and put these tips into action for a safer, more energy-efficient drive this winter.

Planning a long drive and want to know where local charging stations are? Use our charging station map to plot nearby evyve charging points along your journey.