Urgent warning to EV drivers as change in weather could cost you £1,000s and leave you stranded
EV drivers have been urged to follow FIVE steps this winter to keep them safe on the road - or risk being stranded.
As temperatures plummet, electric cars can struggle to perform with the same efficiency, but these tips could save you £1,000s.
The batteries in EVs can drain quicker in colder or rainy conditions which leads to more mile range anxiety.
But, motor experts at have shared important precautions drivers can take to prevent being caught out.
KEEPING THE BATTERY WARM
Electric car batteries have an optimum temperature they run at, and cooler figures will hamper their performance.
To keep them operating efficiently, try to keep the car in a warmer space.
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A garage or car cover are the best options, as opposed to leaving the vehicle exposed outside.
This also means the car will charge faster, and use up less power when trying to heat up.
CHARGING
The car gurus reminded EV owners their cars will take longer to recharge during the winter months.
They revealed the best temperature to charge batteries at is 15C.
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If you are re-fuelling your motor overnight, when figures drop, allow for extra time to reach the percentage you want.
It may be a better idea to charge during the day if possible when it's warmer as it will save time and money.
HEATING
Every driver enjoys whacking up the heating when they get behind the wheel of a freezing car.
But, in an EV motorists should be mindful of how much charge they have left when they turn up the heat.
Raising the temperature will use up more power and see the estimated mile range drop at a much faster pace than normal.
The experts recommended using heated seats and steering wheel rather than warming the whole interior.
If your car is at a decent percentage and you are not travelling a long distance, having the heating on shouldn't be an issue.
But, it is important to bare in mind if you are low on charge or not near a top-up point.
BATTERY PREHEAT
Many EVs are cleverly designed with a preheat option to allow drivers the luxury of slipping into a warm seat.
The car whizzes at LeaseElectricCar urged owners to make the most of this function, not only to stay warm but help their EV battery.
It will let the vehicle reach its best operating temperature for driving before hitting the road.
This is turn conserves power and miles.
DRIVING STYLE
In good weather conditions EVs are very efficient, with most newer models boasting more than 200 miles in a single trip.
Premium brands can even offer up to 464 miles on full charge, which is nearly enough to get you to Scotland without stopping.
However, when it's colder or raining, it is a good idea to keep an eye on your driving style.
Harsh braking and heavy acceleration can drain the battery life unnecessarily.
Another helpful tip shared by the car experts was to activate the eco setting which will automatically reduce the heat and accelerator pedal impact.
This comes as data revealed cold weather can cut battery range by up to a third according to .
Taking 12 EVs, ranging in price from the Ora Funky Cat (£31,995) through to the Jaguar I-Pace (£69,425), experts drove the cars from fully charged until they ran out.
The worst performer, the Funky Cat, fell 32.8% short of its official range.
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Meanwhile, the car that got closest to its official range, the £55,890 Nissan Ariya, still fell 16% short of its official estimate.
The £52,990 Tesla Model Y came second in terms of getting closest to its official range, recording a shortcoming of 17.8% from its official 331 miles.