How to fix Teslas not working in cold?
As seasons change and consumers face the icy grip of winter, owners of Tesla’s sleek line of electric vehicles are finding unique challenges to their everyday commute. Electric cars, like their traditional counterparts, experience performance drops in cold weather. However, these drops can be particularly challenging for EV owners, who may be surprised by unexpected declines in range or slow charging times. For electric vehicle owners, understanding the specific factors that contribute to these issues and taking proactive steps towards addressing them can ensure a smoother journey through the frigid winter months.
Understanding Tesla’s Cold Weather Challenges
A Tesla’s battery relies on chemical reactions to provide power and these reactions can slow down in colder environments. This can result in a lower estimated driving range and longer charging times. Add to this the need for heating which often gets its energy from the same battery causing mileage to plummet. These factors can lead to what is called *range anxiety*- a compelling fear that a vehicle has insufficient range to reach its destination, which becomes more common among Tesla owners during winter months.
Preempt the Cold: Tips and Tricks
One of the simplest ways to optimize a Tesla’s winter performance is to store the vehicle somewhere warm. A garage, ideally heated, can make a significant difference in preserving battery efficiency. Also, planning trips ahead of schedule and programming the vehicle to preheat while it’s still plugged in can save significant energy by using grid electricity to heat the cabin instead of draining the battery. This programming can be conveniently done through the Tesla mobile app.
Get the Most Out of Regeneration
Regeneration (or regenerative braking) is a technique used in electric vehicles where the vehicle’s electric motor is used as a generator during braking to convert energy usually lost as heat back into usable electrical energy. However, the cold environment can limit regenerative braking capacity. Preheating the battery by driving the vehicle or using the ‘Precondition Battery’ setting can be one remedy to this issue. This ensures the battery you are riding on is in its ideal temperature zone hence maximizing the regenerative energy potential.
Don’t Forget Your Tires and Driving Habits
Remember, even the most futuristic electric vehicle is still bound by the same physical laws as traditional cars. Ensuring your tires have good traction is an easy and often overlooked step in winterizing a Tesla. Investing in winter tires with lower tire pressure can increase traction on icy roads, improving both safety and energy efficiency. Additionally, mindful driving habits such as gradual acceleration and avoiding high speed can significantly increase a Tesla’s range by reducing the aerodynamic drag.
Keep the Battery Cozy
Additionally, the enabling of Tesla’s energy-saving feature may actually result in a power trade-off during winter. While it does reduce drain when not in use, it also keeps the battery pack’s temperature at a lower level. In colder weather, it may be more beneficial to switch off the energy-saving feature, allowing the vehicle to maintain a higher (and more efficient) battery temperature.
In the end, even with these challenges, many Tesla owners still swear by the durability and performance of their vehicles in cold weather. Despite requiring a bit more planning and proactive maintenance, electric vehicles continue to provide a comfortable and eco-friendly alternative for navigation through the icy winter months. As the technology and infrastructure for electric cars continue to evolve, so too will the ease with which Tesla owners weather the winter season.
