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Electric cars are built for year-round performance, but as winter sets in, cold weather can affect your battery range, charging time, and overall efficiency. Whether you drive a Volkswagen ID.4, Audi Q4 e-tron, or Honda e:Ny1, a few small adjustments can make a big difference to your EV’s performance this season.
At Drift Bridge Group, we’ve rounded up the most effective winter EV tips to help keep your electric car running smoothly and efficiently through the colder months
1. Precondition Your Battery Before Driving
Cold temperatures can reduce battery efficiency, especially first thing in the morning. Most modern EVs, including Audi e-tron, Volkswagen ID.3, and Honda e:Ny1, offer preconditioning features.
This function warms the battery and cabin while your car is still plugged in — helping preserve range and ensuring a comfortable start to every journey. Simply set it through the in-car display or connected smartphone app (like MyAudi, We Connect, or My Honda+).
2. Keep Your Car Plugged In When Parked
If possible, leave your EV connected to its charger overnight or when parked for long periods. This helps maintain optimal battery temperature and prevents unnecessary energy loss in cold conditions.
For those using home wallboxes, setting a lower charging limit (around 80%) during regular use can also protect long-term battery health.
3. Drive Smoothly and Use Regenerative Braking
Winter roads often demand smoother driving — which works in your favour for efficiency. Accelerate gradually, avoid harsh braking, and take advantage of regenerative braking systems.
Both Volkswagen ID. models and Audi e-tron vehicles feature adjustable regen levels, allowing you to recapture energy when slowing down — extending your range while improving control in slippery conditions.
4. Manage Heating and Comfort Features
Heating uses more power than most other functions in an EV. Instead of setting your climate control to full blast, try:
Pre-heating your car while still plugged in also reduces the need for cabin heating during your drive.
5. Check Tyres and Maintain Correct Pressure
Cold air causes tyre pressure to drop, which can reduce range and traction. Check your tyres regularly, especially before long winter journeys.
All Drift Bridge dealerships — Epsom Audi, Walton Audi, Drift Bridge Volkswagen, and Gatwick Honda — offer winter tyre checks and can recommend EV-friendly tyres optimised for cold, wet roads.
6. Use Eco Mode for Maximum Efficiency
Most electric vehicles feature Eco or Efficiency driving modes, which adjust throttle response and cabin systems to preserve battery life.
For example:
7. Plan Your Charging Stops
In winter, battery charging can take longer. Planning ahead helps avoid running low when chargers are busier or slower due to the cold.
Use your car’s built-in navigation or mobile apps such as Zap-Map or We Connect ID. to find nearby rapid chargers. If travelling long distances, aim to recharge when the battery is around 20–30%, as EVs charge most efficiently between 20–80%.
8. Keep Your EV Clean
It may sound simple, but road salt and grime can affect sensors, cameras, and efficiency. A clean car — particularly around wheel arches, lights, and charging ports — ensures your driver assistance systems and aerodynamics remain effective.
At Drift Bridge Group, our dealerships offer professional valeting and winter preparation services for EVs and hybrids.
Stay Winter-Ready with Drift Bridge Group
Cold weather doesn’t have to mean reduced performance. With these simple adjustments, your Audi, Volkswagen, or Honda electric car can perform just as well in December as it does in summer.
Visit your nearest Drift Bridge Group dealership for a winter health check, charging advice, or to explore our latest EV and hybrid models.
