Electric vehicles are more profitable in the operation of conventional vehicles, including due to ease of maintenance. The owner of such a car does not need to worry about changing oil, spark plugs, and other important details that are essential for the proper operation of an internal combustion engine. In addition, electric cars do not require numerous checks for extraneous noise or leaks. Electric propulsion systems are usually quite simple and reliable.
But the ideal engine has not yet been invented. Electric vehicles also have their weaknesses, and they must be taken into account in all modes of operation and at any time of the year. This article is for you if you own an electric car and want to extend its life or if you want to get cash for junk cars in Warren, NJ, and buy a new electric car.
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Features of operating an electric car in winter
Electric vehicle batteries are dependent on ambient temperature. When driving in winter, you need to take into account the features of operation dictated by the cold.
- Reduced battery capacity and charging speed.
At sub-zero temperatures, the ability of batteries to accumulate a charge is significantly reduced. The colder it is, the worse the electrochemical reactions inside the battery cells proceed. Because of this, it may not be possible to charge the car to “honest” 100%, although when turned on, the electronics will claim that the battery is full. For the same reason, the time required for charging increases – frozen batteries “accept” the charge worse, and in order to avoid damage to them, the car’s electronics are forced to reduce the current supplied from the outlet. Therefore, you will have to charge the car more often in winter than in summer.
- Unpredictable range.
Due to the reduced capacity, you should not unconditionally believe the numbers on the instrument panel. Some time after the start of the movement, the electronics will make a “correction” for the external temperature and the state of the battery, correcting the initial readings. But more often than not, the actual power reserve will still be less. In addition to the outside temperature, the value of the remaining mileage will be affected by additional energy consumers – a cabin heater or headlights.
- The need to warm up the battery.
This option is now equipped with most electric vehicles in the middle price and premium segment. Forced heating maintains the operating temperature of the battery cells, which will ensure their correct operation both when replenishing and when discharging electricity. Warming up “from the outlet” (when the car is charging) allows not only to achieve the optimal battery temperature but also to heat the interior to a comfortable state before the trip, without consuming the accumulated charge. Therefore, for a long (night) parking in winter, it is better to leave an electric car where there is a socket suitable for it.
- The danger of battery freezing.
With prolonged downtime in severe frost without periodic autonomous heating or connection to a power outlet, the battery temperature may drop to critical levels. In this case, the flow of electrochemical reactions will be impossible. Electronics will not allow either to start a “frozen” electric car or apply current to the battery. Therefore, the car will have to be transported to heat.
- Power limitation.
If there is no battery heating system or it cannot cope with frost, the electronics can limit the current output by the battery, and hence the power of the electric motor. A dynamic car in summer will accelerate noticeably slower in cold weather.
Features of operating an electric car in summer
In the hot season, drivers, as a rule, have no problems with battery capacity and range. However, electric vehicle batteries have not only a lower but also an upper thermal limit. One of the most serious problems that can happen to a battery at high temperatures is overheating. For this reason, electric vehicles are equipped with a liquid cooling system for the battery and electric motors.
The driver is advised to regularly monitor the temperature regime in which the car will be used, however, special care should be taken in the following situations:
- With fast charging.
- With active driving.
All season recommendations
Regardless of the season, the owner of an electric car needs to remember several nuances of its operation:
- Choose the right tires.
Owners of electric cars are advised to use tires that are made specifically for these cars. They have a number of characteristics, including less rolling resistance. This reduces energy consumption and the recovery system works much more efficiently. If for one reason or another you are forced to choose among tires for traditional cars, then you should pay attention to the fuel efficiency indicator. This information can be found on a sticker on a new tire.
- Check the condition of the battery cover.
Many electric cars have batteries located under the bottom, and this is not the cleanest area of the car. In the winter season, the cover allows you to protect the battery from salt and snow, in the summer season, it is a protection against moisture. A responsible inspection of this part of the car for the absence of mud deposits will allow the driver to provide himself with reliable protection in different temperature operating conditions.
- It is best to store and charge the car in a closed garage.
In summer time, such an approach will help you to avoid excessive heating, and in winter time it will protect the vehicle from hypothermia. A heated parking lot with a stable temperature would be the most suitable. However, a “cold” option would also be suitable. The temperature difference in such a garage will be noticeable, but not as sharp as in the open air.
Summary
Maintenance of electric vehicles requires certain knowledge and rules since the quality of driving a car depends on their observance. If you want to get rid of your old diesel car and buy a new electric car, we suggest you use the services of Junk Cars Us. The company will help you get rid of your old car quickly and safely, as they have impressive experience in this matter and an excellent team of specialists.
