Pennsylvania, USA – With winter weather expected to arrive in central Pennsylvania, some drivers may reconsider driving on the road, including electric vehicle drivers.
It's an idea that some electric car drivers may not be fully aware of.
“It is very likely that electric vehicle drivers have not yet been fully educated about some of the differences between driving a gas-powered vehicle in winter weather conditions or driving an electric vehicle,” AAA spokesman Jason Kirsch said.
Electric car owner Megan Chubut decided to hit the road with her family ahead of the expected weekend snowstorm.
“We thought about leaving in the morning, but we decided to hurry up tonight so we wouldn’t have to worry,” Chubut said.
Cold temperatures can affect electric vehicle battery life and force some drivers to search for charging stations at inopportune times.
“We always expected to stop in the middle of this trip, and we were surprised when we were able to make it the entire way on one charge,” Chubut said.
Using regenerative braking during winter weather may drain your vehicle's battery faster and result in poor performance.
“They use it to recharge the electric car's battery, but unfortunately, regenerative braking can cause problems on slippery roads,” Kirsch said.
The weight of an electric vehicle can also affect how quickly its battery drains.
“Electric vehicles are heavier than gas-powered vehicles and require more ways to slow down,” Kirsch said.
AAA research indicates that when electric vehicle drivers use climate control to warm their cabin in temperatures of 20 degrees or below, the average driving range decreases by 41%.
This can be dangerous depending on where drivers find themselves on the road.
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