No matter what kind of vehicle you own, driving in winter weather can be both frightening and dangerous. Heavy snowfall, icy roads and colder temperatures are a recipe for stress and potential disaster.

Although driving an electric vehicle in winter comes with unique challenges, being properly prepared in case of an emergency on the road is universal.

Here are some tips to make sure you and your EV are ready for whatever a winter road trip throws your way.

Prep Yourself and Your EV for a Winter Drive

Before leaving home, you should groom your electric vehicle to brave the elements.

• Ensure your tires have the proper tread for snow and ice and are properly inflated.
• Make sure your EV has a full charge before you leave.
• Know where all the charging stations are on your route, especially if it’s a long drive. Cold weather can deplete an EVs battery by up to 50% as you use energy to heat the cabin and keep warm.
• Pack a windshield scraper/brush and shovel.
• Salt or wood chips can help when your EV needs traction on the snow or when you get stuck in an icy patch.
• Extra washer fluid. Winter conditions cause us to use our windshield wipers more. If you run out, you won’t be able to keep your windshield clear of rain, snow, salt, and dirty splash from other vehicles.
• Winter tire chains are helpful if you plan to drive through snowy mountain passes.
• If you plan a long road trip, notify family or friends of where you are going and what route you plan to take.

Driving your EV Safely and Efficiently on the Winter Roads

Navigating snow and ice requires patience, thought and confidence. Keep these things in mind as you journey out onto the winter roads.

• Drive slow. Nothing is more important than taking your time and leaving plenty of room between you and the car ahead of you.
• Avoid problem areas like hills and unplowed or narrow streets. If you have to drive uphill, don’t power up them. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads will make your wheels spin.
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly. EVs are known for their powerful torque and acceleration, and you can easily find your wheels spinning too fast in a rut of snow or skidding out of control. It takes longer to slow down on icy roads, and decelerating slowly can prevent you from sliding.
• Don’t stop if you can avoid it. It’s harder to get going in wintery conditions, especially if you are on any type of hill. It’ll make a big difference if you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes.
• Dress warm and use heated seats instead of air to heat the cabin. Using heated seats vs air will slow down battery depletion and ensure you maintain as much range as possible.

Prepare for Being Stuck in the Cold

It sounds like a bit of a negative way to start a drive, but the reality is severe winter conditions can have you stuck in a ditch or stranded on the side of a road. There are a few essential items that you should keep in your EV all winter just in case you find yourself stuck.

• Flashlight with extra batteries in case you get stuck in the dark.
• Portable phone charger.
• Blankets, warm socks, gloves, toque, and non-perishable food and water. There may be times when you have to wait for assistance. Being warm and having energy can make a huge difference while you wait.
• A reflective vest is excellent if you have to get out of your car in the dark. Being visible keeps you safe at night and can alert other vehicles that you need help.
• First Aid Kit. Make sure to include any personal prescriptions.

We hope this quick little lesson on winter driving in your EV gives you the confidence to take on all this brrrrreautiful season has to offer. At EVsDirect.com, we have a great selection of quality used electric vehicles that can handle all types of roads, including frosty ones. Every single one of our used EVs goes through a rigorous 150-point inspection to ensure that the EV you purchase is ready for your wintertime road trips. We’re so confident you will love your “new-to-you” winter ride that we back it up with a 10-day money-back guarantee. Browse for your winter ready, used electric vehicle from the comfort of your home in your warmest flannel pajamas at EVsDirect.com. Drive Clean, Drive Green. Your Electric Vehicle, Delivered.