Aside from a lack of infrastructure, high pricing, and range anxiety, one of the most commonly cited issues regarding EVs from owners is the fact that they tend to lose a notable amount of range in cold weather. A number of Ford EV models have received improvements aimed at rectifying this issue as of late – including the addition of a heat pump, which can make a significant difference for those that live in colder climates. Now, The Blue Oval is once again sharing some winter driving tips for Ford EV owners that should prove helpful for many.
For starters, Ford EV owners should park their vehicles in a garage if possible, which will ensure that they’re in a warmer climate compared to the outside, which can aid in battery performance – not to mention keep them free of snow and ice. If that simply isn’t possible, owners should at least ensure that they clear all snow off of their Ford EV before embarking on a trip, as it can add weight and air resistance – not to mention negatively impact visibility and the performance of driver assistance technologies by blocking cameras and sensors.
If a Ford EV will be parked for an extended period of time, the automaker recommends keeping it plugged in to maintain battery health and prevent range loss, as this way, the battery’s temperature is kept above freezing. Owners can also set departure times to precondition the battery and cabin while plugged-in, which helps conserve energy once they’re underway, and the same goes for while one is out driving – using seat and steering wheel heaters instead of the HVAC system to keep warm reduces energy consumption as well. Finally, ensuring that one’s tire pressure remains at an optimal level helps maximize range and ensures that the right amount of tire surface area is gripping the road.
As Ford Authority previously reported, the Ford F-150 Lightning gained a new, standard heat pump for the 2024 model year, which helps mitigate some range loss in cold temperatures, and the Ford Mustang Mach-E is gaining the same feature for the 2025 model year, too.
Comments
I love how this article starts. “Aside from these 3 absolutely detrimental hurdles for EV’s to overcome, here’s one more nuisance” lol.
I’m surprised that no marketing genius has yet to come out with a dead-of-winter campaign targeting EV owners to trade in their vehicles for a more convenient ICE vehicle. Park anywhere! Go anywhere! Stay warm while driving! Trade in that old EV now!
Ev’s won’t be doing much driving in winter. Alot of charging, not much driving.
LOL. Keep it in a warm garage. Thanks Ford!