Cold weather driving tips for going further in an electric vehicle
Cold weather can impact the performance of your vehicle, and some people may notice a decreased range in the winter. If this seems to be the case, don’t worry; there are several options for improving the range of your Ford F-150 Lightning truck, as you’ll see below. Consult with our experts here at Sherwood Ford in Sherwood Park, AB.
How to improve the driving range of your Ford F-150 Lightning
As per the recent advice from Ford, here are eight things you can do to improve the range of your Ford F-150 Lightning truck. Above all, we hope you drive safely and keep warm this winter.
- Park in your garage: Keeping your truck parked in the garage will reduce its exposure to extreme temperatures and keep snow off your vehicle. Whenever possible, utilize a garage.
- Keep it plugged in: Keeping your truck plugged in whenever you can is a good way to keep the battery full and ensure you get the most driving range possible.
- Prep for longer commutes: If you have a longer commute, it is a good idea to precondition your vehicle using the FordPass app or your truck’s center screen.
- Use heated seats: Using heated seats and a heated steering wheel is a great way to reduce your use of HVAC heating. If you have these features, don’t forget to turn them on.
- Reduce HVAC heat during charging: While your vehicle is charging, it is even more important to reduce your heat use, especially when using DCFC. If you can turn the heat off, this is best.
- Brush off the snow: Don’t skip on snow removal before you drive, including snow in your truck’s bed. That’s because the snow adds extra weight and drag, which means your truck is working harder.
- Driver at moderate speeds: High speeds use more energy, so try to stick to the speed limit, or drive for conditions, which can mean going slower than the speed limit when the road is icy.
- Keep tires properly inflated: Proper tire inflation helps you keep optimal traction on the road, which can improve your drive range.
Ford F-150 Lightning: Cold Testing the Lightning in Alaska | F-150 | Ford video by Autoblog
Are you wondering whether an electric vehicle is a good choice for winter driving? Check out this video where they explore the performance of the Ford F-150 Lightning in Alaska. You’ll see that EVs stand up to the test of driving in cold weather.
