Electric vehicles (EVs) are a great choice year round! With a little forethought it can be just as simple as using a gas powered vehicle.
For all our tips on winter readiness, EV or not, check out our blog post “Get ready for winter!“
Charging
With EVs you always want to plan your charging stops, but since the cold weather takes some extra energy, and snow can cause delays, it is good to plan for reduced range. If you are heading on a long trip, look ahead of time for comfortable charging locations, such as at your accommodations, underground parking, or near a restaurant. You don’t want to sit in the car for long.
Use the Electric Circuit app to find charging spaces that are compatible with the card provided. Or submit your charging receipts for reimbursement.
Warm up the car while plugged in
Leaving the car connected to the charger while you warm it up helps prepare both the battery and the interior space. This ensures you are cozy for the ride and that warming the car doesn’t drain your battery as quickly later on.
Drive efficiently and take the scenic route
Driving at highway speeds drains your electric vehicle battery faster. Consider taking a road with slower speeds. Also, be mindful of speeding up and braking frequently. Maintaining consistent speeds when possible will prolong your battery life.
Use regenerative braking
Regenerative braking takes the energy from when you are braking or decelerating into the battery. Taking advantage of this mode helps increase battery longevity. Learn how to adjust the regenerative breaking settings on the Kia Niro >