With year-on-year growth in the sales of electric vehicles in the UK, and with winter upon us, we are receiving questions from customers about the performance of EVs in the snow.
So, let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of driving an EV in the snow...
Advantages
There's a large range of electric vehicles that have all-wheel drive, improving traction and helping you drive in icy conditions
The position of batteries low down in EVs means that the vehicle's centre of gravity is lower, which also helps traction
You don't need to give an EV time to heat up before driving it in colder temperatures unlike petrol and diesel cars (this means you don't have to leave your car idle, eating up your fuel and damaging the environment further)
EV batteries are often quite heavy (although this is decreasing as EV technology improves) which means traction can be increased in icy conditions
Your EV will likely have thermal management, even while it is charging, which means it can be warmed up before driving which prevents dangerous iced-up windows
EVs are designed to be driven economically (i.e. without harsh acceleration or braking), which is advisable in any vehicle when it is icy
Disadvantages
The range of an electric vehicle can be decreased due to low temperatures, perhaps even up to 30%
Using heating in your EV can also lower the efficiency and range
EVs are often fitted with tyres that have a low rolling resistance to decrease energy consumption - these tyres have less grip than other types of tyres in icy conditions
Verdict
Yes, EVs perform well in the snow!
If your business is looking to make the switch to an electric fleet this winter, contact Charge And Recharge for your commercial charging solutions.