Ford’s electric vehicles are all built to withstand intense conditions, especially the powerful F-150 Lightning, which was torture-tested in the frigid Alaskan winters before it hit the market. However, it is a simple fact of all electric vehicles that they don’t perform as well in the cold as they do in warmer conditions. Temperatures below about 40° Fahrenheit interact with the battery cell chemistry of an EV, causing the electrolyte fluid to be sluggish and limiting how much power is available and how fast the vehicle can charge. This can mean that your range isn’t as good in the winter as it is in the summer.
However, there are things you can do to improve the range of your F-150 Lightning or any other Ford electric vehicle until it starts to get warm again! Here are some tricks to keep in mind.
Park in a Garage
Whenever you have the opportunity to park in a garage or sheltered space, take it. Even without any additional heating, being inside a structure will help to keep your vehicle from getting too cold!
Keep the Battery Charged
Avoid letting your battery get too low in the winter. Whenever you’re parked someplace that will give you access to charging, it’s best to leave your vehicle plugged in. This will ensure the vehicle has enough energy to run the thermal management system and preserve your long term battery health!
Pre-Condition Your Vehicle
Before long drives, it’s a good idea to let the car warm up while still plugged in, allowing the cabin to become a more comfortable temperature while pulling power from the grid instead of the battery.
Use Heated Seats and Steering Wheel
In all electric vehicles, the cabin heater in the car can be a big drain on the battery. When you’re trying to maximize your range, use alternate heating sources if you have them, like the heated seats or the heated steering wheel, both of which use much less energy. That way, you and your passengers are warm without draining the battery!
Clear Snow Off Before Driving
We’ve all been guilty of hurrying off to work with a little snow still on the roof, but you should avoid this with an EV. Not only can it be a danger on the road, but it adds unnecessary weight and drag.
Keep Your Speed Down
High speeds tend to eat through an EV charge pretty quickly, so keep your driving speeds moderate during the winter months. It’s also a good idea when ice is on the road to drive slower!
Check Your Tire Pressure
Underinflated tires can hurt the efficiency of any car, including electric ones. Since cold weather usually has an effect on tires anyway, take the car for a quick spin so the tires reach an accurate temperature and then check your pressure. Give them a little extra air if needed!
With these helpful tips, you should be able to improve the range on your Ford electric vehicle this winter. If you’re interested in Ford’s stock of EVs, check out our new inventory here to see what we have in stock!