Cold temperatures can impact your EV’s performance and range. This winter checklist is designed to help you:
- Ensure the safety of your vehicle and passengers,
- Optimize battery and electrical system performance,
- Make the most of your EV throughout the winter season.
Follow these simple and practical steps to drive with confidence, no matter the winter conditions.
🔋 Battery maintenance & Charging System
□ — Check-list hivernale pour véhicules électriques (VÉ)
□ — Monitor State of Charge (SOC) more frequently, as range drops in winter conditions.
□ — Use scheduled charging/preconditioning to warm the battery before departure.
□ — Avoid letting the battery drop below 20%, especially on very cold days.
□ — Verify charging speed in cold weather, as lower temperatures may slow down Level 2 charging.
🏎️ Driving Efficiency in Winter
□ — Activate Eco mode to reduce power draw and improve energy usage.
□ — Limit high-power acceleration, which drains the battery faster in cold weather.
□ — Use seat and steering-wheel heaters instead of cabin heating when possible (more energy-efficient).
□ — Vérifier le liquide lave-glace résistant au gel.
□ — Vérifier la pression des pneus et ajuster selon les recommandations du manufacturier.
❄️ Thermal Management & Battery Care
□ — Tester le fonctionnement du système de chauffage et du dégivrage
□ — Check coolant levels if your EV uses a liquid-cooled battery system.
□ — Check for software updates that improve thermal management
🧊 Regenerative Braking
□ — Check regen braking levels, as cold temperatures reduce regen efficiency.
□ — Get familiar with how your EV behaves when regen is limited—braking distance may increase.
□ — Inspect brake pads more regularly, since regen braking is less effective in winter and friction brakes engage more.
🔌 Public Charging & Long Trips
□ — Plan routes with additional charging stops, accounting for reduced winter range.
□ — Check fast charger availability—some stations may be slower or affected by cold.
□ — Warm the battery before using a DC fast charger, if your vehicle supports battery preconditioning.
By following this winter checklist, you help maintain the performance, safety, and longevity of your electric vehicle, even in the coldest conditions. Proper preparation and the right maintenance ensure you get the most out of your EV throughout the winter season.
To take it a step further, consider visiting an Electric Verified certified repair shop, our trained specialists are here to support you with confidence.