I’m a veteran Chicago-based consumer automotive journalist devoted to providing news, views, timely tips and reviews to help maximize your automotive investments. In addition to posting on Forbes.com, I'm a regular contributor to Carfax.com, Motor1.com, MyEV.
, much of the U.S. is in store for a frosty winter. The longstanding annual publication says we can expect below-average temperatures for much of the Great Lakes and Midwestern parts of the country, as well as central and northern New England, and even Texans and those living in Southeastern states should prepare to bundle up with unseasonably cold conditions on the way.
How many miles might a motorist lose when the mercury plunges? Cold weather testing conducted by the Society of Automotive Engineers indicates EVs can lose as much as around 41% of their battery capacity at 20 degrees Fahrenheit. That means for every 100 miles of driving, a given EV’s range at 20°F would be reduced to 59 miles. This can be even less should the mercury dip further, which could quickly turn a below-zero trip into a white-knuckle ride in terms of battery capacity.
And as owners who made it through this summer’s sizzling temperatures can attest, an EV’s range likewise suffers in extremely hot weather. The AAA’s study determined that when outside temperatures hit 95°F and air conditioning is in use, an EV’s range will drop by an average 17%. Without running the A/C, an EV will suffer a 4% range reduction on an extremely hot day.
Smartphone apps and some EV navigation systems can help greatly in this regard. Look for DC Fast Charging units that can bring an electric car’s battery back up to 80% of its capacity in 30-45 minutes, depending on the vehicle and the ambient temperature. Use them sparingly, as an EV battery could suffer ill effects by fast-charging during extreme temperatures, or when the battery is very close to empty or full.
Though it’s compromised somewhat in the cold, owners can help preserve an EV’s range by maximizing its regenerative braking function. Many models allow so-called “one pedal” driving in which the recovery can be dialed up considerably to enable the vehicle to reach a complete stop, or at least close to it, without using the brakes. One-pedal driving also has the added bonus of minimizing brake system wear.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Why We Need You to Become a Scene Supporter, and Why You Should Become OneThe TLDR version, real quick, because you're busy. You: I know that the ad-supported model of journalism is fucked – it’s volatile and shrinking and only getting worse for publishers.
Read more »
Seattle daycare owners call for city action after drive by shootingChilling new video shows us the moments a drive-by shooting happened outside a Seattle daycare and sent a man to Harborview Medical Center.
Read more »
Medics struggle to save survivors of Israeli massacre in Gaza hospital“We need equipment, we need medicine, we need beds, we need anesthesia, we need everything,” says Al Shifa hospital director Mohammed Abu Selmia.
Read more »
5 Reasons Why Pokemon Games Need To Bring Back Difficulty SettingsPokemon games are loved by all ages, but a generic difficulty setting prevents players from adjusting gameplay for different skill levels.
Read more »
Why Frasier's Reboot Costumes Are So Controversial (& Why They're Not A Problem)Kelsey Grammer's wardrobe has been a divisive element of the new Frasier reboot, but his new aesthetic shouldn't really be that big of a deal.
Read more »