With the rise of eco-conscious travel, electric hire cars are becoming increasingly popular, and they’re now a top choice for winter rentals as well. Whether you’re taking a trip to visit family or going on a winter adventure, using an electric hire car from a reputable company like EVision Electric Vehicles can be the perfect choice for an eco-friendly, smooth, and comfortable ride. However, colder weather can impact electric vehicle (EV) performance, so here’s how to make the most of your electric hire car in winter.
Precondition Your Electric Hire Car
Preconditioning your electric vehicle means warming up the cabin and battery before you start driving. This can increase battery efficiency and reduce the drain on the battery once you’re on the road. Most EVs, especially modern models offered by EVision Electric Vehicles, allow you to precondition the car while it’s still charging, ensuring the cabin is comfortable and the battery is primed before you hit the road. This is particularly beneficial in winter when starting with a warm cabin can make all the difference.
To precondition your EV, you can use the car’s app (for compatible models) or set a timer so it’s ready by the time you start driving. Not only will it make your winter drive more comfortable, but it will also help your electric hire car perform more efficiently.
Use the Eco Mode in Your Electric Hire Car
Most electric hire cars, including those available at EVision Electric Vehicles, come with an Eco Mode or similar driving mode designed to optimise battery use and extend range. When activated, Eco Mode reduces the vehicle’s power output, which decreases energy consumption while still offering a comfortable drive. This is particularly useful in winter when batteries tend to drain faster.
Eco Mode also minimises energy used for non-essential functions, which can help conserve battery life. In winter conditions, it’s best to avoid sudden accelerations and instead focus on smoother, consistent driving, which will keep the battery lasting longer in cold temperatures.
Plan Charging Stops Strategically
Cold weather can impact battery performance, reducing the range of your electric hire car. To stay on the safe side, plan your charging stops in advance, especially if you’re heading to rural or less densely populated areas. EVision Electric Vehicles provides a variety of vehicles with excellent range, but charging stations may be less common in some winter holiday locations, so having a plan helps ensure you’re never caught off guard.
Apps like Zap-Map can help you locate charging stations and check if they’re available and functional. It’s always a good idea to have a backup charging station in mind in case your primary stop is busy or out of service.
Use Heated Seats and Steering Wheel Instead of the Heater
While it may be tempting to crank up the cabin heater in winter, this can be a significant drain on the battery. Instead, try using the heated seats and steering wheel if your electric hire car has them. These features are highly efficient, offering warmth directly to where it’s needed most without impacting the vehicle’s range as much as the main cabin heater would. EVision Electric Vehicles offers a range of models with heated features, allowing you to stay cosy without compromising range.
Drive Smoothly and at Moderate Speeds
Driving styles make a big difference in how efficiently an EV performs. Aggressive acceleration or high-speed driving will deplete the battery faster, particularly in colder weather. By adopting a smoother, more moderate driving style, you can help conserve battery power and get the most out of your electric hire car.
Winter driving conditions can also make high-speed driving risky, so keeping a steady pace is not only good for your EV’s range but also enhances safety. Use regenerative braking where possible, which recharges the battery a little each time you brake smoothly.
Choose the Right Electric Hire Car for Your Needs
Selecting an electric hire car with a battery range suited to your journey is crucial. EVision Electric Vehicles offers a variety of models with different ranges, so you can choose the best option for your winter travel plans. For shorter trips around town, a smaller battery with less range may be sufficient, while a long road trip may require a model with a larger battery and extended range.
Check Tyre Pressure Regularly
Colder temperatures can reduce tyre pressure, which in turn can affect the efficiency of your electric hire car. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, which can drain the battery faster. Make sure your tyres are properly inflated, especially if you’re travelling to a colder climate, to maintain optimal performance.
In Summary
Getting the most out of your electric hire car in winter is all about preparation and adopting energy-saving habits. Precondition your vehicle, use Eco Mode, plan charging stops, and take advantage of efficient heating options like heated seats. EVision Electric Vehicles offers a wide range of winter-friendly electric hire cars that are perfect for any journey, giving you the freedom to enjoy a comfortable, eco-friendly trip regardless of the season.
*All information correct as of 21 November 2024
