Winter is a challenging season for all vehicles, but electric vehicles (EVs) face unique hurdles when temperatures plummet. Cold weather can affect your EV’s battery performance, charging speed, and range, which makes it important to prepare your car for the season.

Here are some tips to help you winterize your EV, from optimizing your charging habits to reviewing your car insurance policy.

Check and Maintain the Battery

Cold weather can be tough on batteries, which means shorter driving ranges and slower charging. The battery is the heart of your EV, so you need to give it extra care during winter.

Make sure to regularly monitor your battery’s health through the season, which you can do through your vehicle’s onboard diagnostics or mobile app. Look for indicators like reduced range or unusual charging patterns. If you notice severe degradation, it’s a good idea to schedule a battery inspection with a certified technician.

Also, check your EV manual for any winter-specific advice. Some manufacturers have tips for cold-weather care, and a quick trip to your dealer or service center can ensure your battery is ready for the season.

Optimize Charging Habits

If you can, charge your EV indoors or in a covered space since it’ll help protect your charging equipment from snow and ice. If you charge outdoors, consider investing in a magnetic connector cover or bag to prevent the plug from freezing. Also, always hang up the charging connector properly when you’re done so snow or ice doesn’t damage it.

Another handy tip is to plan your charging times. Charging your EV when the battery is warmer — like right after a drive — can speed things up and make the process more efficient. If you’re heading out for a long trip, aim for an 80-90% charge unless you absolutely need the full 100%. It saves time and helps preserve battery health.

Invest in Winter Tires

If you live in an area that sees harsh winters, investing in a good set of winter tires can help you tackle those roads with confidence.

What makes winter tires so effective? Their rubber compounds stay flexible even in freezing temperatures, unlike all-season tires that can stiffen up. Plus, they have deeper treads and unique patterns that grip the road better in snow and slush. This means your EV will handle and brake more effectively, even in the worst conditions.

One thing to keep in mind: when you first switch to winter tires, you might notice a slight dip in regenerative braking efficiency. But don’t stress — your EV will adjust after a little driving. Most cars recalibrate automatically, so you’ll regain that smooth braking experience in no time.

Monitor Tire Pressure Regularly

In winter, tire pressure tends to drop as temperatures fall, which can affect traction, handling, and even your battery range. In fact, tires lose about 1 PSI for every 10°F drop in temperature.

To keep your EV running smoothly, make it a habit to check your tire pressure at least once a week during the colder months. You can find the recommended pressure for your car on a sticker inside the driver’s door or in your owner’s manual. Also, always check and adjust tire pressure when your tires are cold — either first thing in the morning or after the car has been parked for several hours. This will ensure a more accurate reading.

Precondition Your Vehicle

When temperatures dip, your battery and cabin can benefit from a little warm-up before you hit the road. Preconditioning heats the battery to its optimal operating temperature and makes the cabin nice and cozy, which is perfect for those frosty mornings.

Many EVs let you precondition automatically. Using your car’s app or settings, you can schedule it to warm up before you leave. Even if your EV doesn’t have a dedicated preconditioning feature, manually warming it up while it’s charging can have a similar effect. Just a few minutes of prep can help improve battery performance and range.

Protect Your EV from Extreme Cold

Whenever possible, park your EV in a garage or a covered area. Keeping your car sheltered helps maintain the battery’s temperature and prevents frost from forming on windows and mirrors. If covered parking isn’t an option, an insulated windshield cover can be a lifesaver since it’ll cut down on frost and ice buildup and save you time on those cold mornings.

For even more protection, consider investing in a winter weather package for your EV. Many manufacturers offer features like heated charge ports or battery-warming systems to keep your car operating efficiently in extreme cold.

Adjust Driving Behavior for Winter Conditions

With icy roads and freezing temperatures, a few tweaks to your driving habits can keep you safe and your EV running efficiently.

Start by switching to your EV’s “Eco” or “Chill” mode. These settings limit the power sent to the motor, which helps conserve battery life and makes your car’s acceleration more gradual — perfect for maintaining traction on slippery roads. Another smart adjustment is dialing down your regenerative braking strength. While regenerative braking is great for efficiency, it can be a little too aggressive in icy conditions, potentially causing abrupt deceleration and loss of traction.

Finally, take it easy on the throttle. Accelerate gently and keep your speed moderate to reduce strain on your battery and improve overall safety.

Keep Emergency Supplies On Hand

Even with the best preparation, the unexpected can still happen, especially in winter. That’s why you should keep a well-stocked emergency kit in your EV with these supplies:

• Blankets, gloves, hand warmers, and a hat
• A flashlight with extra batteries
• A fully charged portable power bank
• An ice scraper, snow brush, and a small shovel
• Sand, kitty litter, or traction mats to help get unstuck from icy or snowy patches.
• Non-perishable snacks and bottled water
• First aid kit
• A mobile EV charger or adapter
• A tire repair kit
• Flares, reflective triangles, or a high-visibility vest

With these tips, you can successfully prepare your EV for the frigid temperatures ahead. Also, don’t forget about car insurance coverage.

Accidents happen, so review your policy to ensure you’re fully protected in case of unexpected winter mishaps. If you’re looking for cheap car insurance, take the time to shop around and compare policies that suit your needs.