Upstate New York winters can be brutal, with temperatures dropping to freezing levels as early as Thanksgiving. Coping with the cold weather is essential, especially for electric vehicle owners. The impact of cold temperatures on lithium-ion batteries is well-known, causing a decrease in performance and range.
Recently, a couple embarked on an extended holiday trip, leaving their Kia EV6 parked in a cold garage for nearly a month. Before departing, they charged the EV6 to 80% and left it unplugged. Upon their return, they were pleasantly surprised to find that the car still had 180 miles of range at a 78% charge, showing minimal loss in range despite the cold weather.
The owner’s manual recommends charging the high-voltage battery every three months for extended storage periods to prevent discharging. Different EV manufacturers have varying recommendations for long-term storage, with some advising to keep the car plugged in, while others suggest leaving it unplugged.
Overall, the experiment with the Kia EV6 demonstrated that leaving an EV unplugged in cold weather for an extended period may not lead to significant range loss. Consulting the owner’s manual for specific guidelines on storage and maintenance is crucial for preserving the battery health of electric vehicles.
In conclusion, storing an EV for an extended period in cold weather conditions may not be as detrimental as feared, but following manufacturer recommendations and periodic checks are essential for optimal battery performance. Do you have any cold-weather driving or storage tips to share? Feel free to leave them in the comments below.