As winter sets in and temperatures drop below zero, it’s important to know how to preserve the range of your Volkswagen electric vehicle. By following these three easy steps, you can ensure that your EV will get you where you need to go this winter without any issues.
Charge Regularly
Electric Vehicles work best when they are regularly charged and are able to reach 80% of charge. This is especially true in cold weather since cold temperatures reduce the amount of energy an EV has available for use. To ensure your EV has enough power for all your winter travels, make sure to charge it regularly and let it reach a full charge if you plan on going on a trip. If you can manage it, try to leave the car plugged in overnight at least once a week. This will help keep your battery warm and allow it to reach maximum capacity more easily.
Drive Smartly
When driving an EV during the winter months, there are certain things you should keep in mind that could potentially save you some range. When accelerating, do so slowly and steadily rather than aggressively. This not only helps with safety but also reduces the amount of energy used by the vehicle. Additionally, drive at a steady speed rather than varying speeds, if possible, since this uses less energy overall. Lastly, take advantage of regenerative braking whenever possible; this lets the car recharge its battery while slowing down, which can save some energy over time.
Preheat Your Volkswagen EV Before Driving
If you have access to a power outlet or if you have a charging station at home, preheating can help improve battery performance and increase your range. Preheating involves plugging in your vehicle and warming up its interior before driving it. This process helps reduce the amount of energy used during the drive because the car is already warm when you get inside, thus, decreasing the need for additional energy consumption from heating up the interior while driving.
With just a few simple steps, you can keep your Volkswagen electric vehicle running smoothly all throughout the winter season! Charging regularly along with driving smartly can make all the difference when trying to preserve range during colder months—and don’t forget about preheating your Volkswagen! Keeping these tips in mind will help make sure that no matter how cold it gets outside, your EV will still get you where you need to go! If you have any questions about maintaining or operating your VW EV in colder temperatures, feel free to reach out to our dealership today! We're here to help!