Top tips for driving during snow

Explore some essential tips for driving electric cars in the snow

A touch of frost, a flurry of snow, and even familiar surroundings are transformed into a winter wonderland. Beautiful to look at, it should also be a joy to navigate from behind the wheel of your Electric Vehicle (EV), with a little bit of thought and the right precautions.

In this article we’ll explore some essential tips for driving electric cars in the snow to ensure you get the very best out of your vehicle, from optimizing battery performance to driving technique.

Adjust your driving

When the roads are sprinkled with snow and possibly ice, it probably goes without saying that you need to take things easy. A useful design feature of EVs is that the batteries are placed as close to the ground as possible – this keeps the centre of gravity low, which in turn can provide traction and handling capabilities on snow-covered roads. Still, as with all vehicles – both EV and ICE – you’ll want to adjust the way you drive your EV in snowy and icy conditions. The Highway Code’s rule 231 recommends avoiding sudden actions on the road, as gentle acceleration and deceleration helps prevent skidding and sliding. Anticipating turns and braking early allow for a smoother, more controlled driving experience (as well as conserving battery power). Leaving more space between you and the vehicle in front also makes good sense, especially if visibility is poor.

Get all snow off your windscreen

According to the Highway Code, it is a legal obligation to make sure that all windows in your vehicle are free from obstruction when driving in poor weather conditions.

Take care of your tyres

As with all vehicles, regular tyre checks are crucial all year around, and especially when heading into winter. (Why not set a calendar alarm on your phone for automatic prompts?)

Head to your garage for a quick tread depth and pressure check (most will do this for free) and consider checking your tyre pressure every month in the winter, and before every long drive. Remember that, as this leading tyre safety charity points out, when temperatures drop below 7°C, the tread compound in normal tyres begins to harden, providing less grip. So, back to that slow and steady pace we’ve talked about.

If you live in an area prone to regular or heavy snow, it may even be worth investing in winter tyres. (Remember that some insurance companies consider winter tyres a modification, so it’s worth checking in with yours.) If you’re not sure whether you need one, your local garage again will help you decide if this is right for you.

Look after your EV battery

Here's a bit of helpful science. Chilly temperatures can temporarily reduce the overall range – the distance your EV can cover between charging stops – of an electric vehicle. This is due to increased battery resistance. In a nutshell, this is when lower temperatures can slow down the chemical reactions inside the battery, limiting its ability to store and release energy. Additionally, EVs can consume a little more energy in cold conditions to keep your cabin comfortable and ensure optimal battery performance. The good news is you can counter-balance this with some power-saving tips.

First, consider keeping your EV plugged in when parked. This will help to maintain the battery's temperature and ensure optimal performance – your battery will charge faster when at its optimal temperature.

Second, it’s a good idea to run pre-conditioning features while still connected to the charging station to help preserve your battery’s energy. As well as providing a comfortable interior temperature to start your journey, it won’t drain the power by using the heating function while you’re driving.

One final thing to remember - if it’s a colder out there, you might find charging on the go takes a bit longer too. (How long? That depends on a few factors.) Build in a buffer of extra time to your journey – and have a few fun things up your sleeve to do while you charge – for a nice festive drive and charge during snowy days.

Check ahead

If the snow came down thick, it’s worth getting ahead of the game before you hit the road. Check your route for road closures before setting off, and then download our free bp pulse app to see which charging points are available nearest to you, and on your intended route.

Read your manual for the best mode for winter driving

Depending on your make and model of EV, you may find it’s preloaded with some handy features for driving in the snow already. Some EVs have regenerative braking modes for winter, and some include icy weather modes which may help with greater wheel control. It may be suitable for you to use ‘eco mode’ on snowy days as well. The ‘eco’ here stands for ‘economical’ which is when the EV itself calibrates to help extend your range – which could be handy if your EV is doing all it can to keep you and your EV warm and efficient while driving. Check with your specific manual and manufacturer.

Make the most of regenerative braking

If you haven’t heard of regenerative braking – or regen braking – before, here’s how it works: the car captures the kinetic energy from braking and uses it to recharge the battery. It’s a feature you can find in many models. In cold weather this is particularly useful feature as it allows you to top up the battery while you're on the move. This can be practical when you’re looking to extend your range. To make the most of regenerative braking, slow down smoothly rather than braking suddenly. (But, remember – in icy weather, rather than cold, ease off the regenerative braking altogether, to gain more control on roads.)

Always be prepared

Before setting out on any journey, it pays to be primed and prepped – and on snowy days especially. Check the weather before you leave and regularly along the way. Ensure you can make a beeline to conveniences you want by checking out our online directory of chargers in advance. Here you can filter for charging points with toilets and cafes so you can warm up with a hot coffee on the way.

Download the bp pulse app to help plan your route and easily find the nearest available charging point.

Remember, if the weather’s bad, it’s safer to stick to well-used roads as they’re more likely to be clear of snow and ice. And if you can, try to do the bulk of long-distance driving during the day, so you can preserve your battery by not using your headlights.

Enjoy your holidays, and wishing you lovely drives for the season, for some well-deserved rest and family time.