Navigating Electric Vehicles in Cold Climates: Tips and Tricks
Polestar Offers Winter Driving Tips for Electric Vehicles
As the temperature drops, driving electric vehicles in winter requires some additional preparation and consideration. Here are some tips from Joakim Rydholm, chassis development manager at Polestar, to help you drive your electric vehicle like a pro in cold weather.
Monitor Tire Pressure
It's important to keep an eye on your tire pressure during the winter months, as the cold can cause a drop in tire pressure. By maintaining the correct tire pressure, you can ensure optimal performance and safety on the road.
Preconditioning Saves Energy
Scheduling preconditioning allows the battery to warm up before you start driving, saving energy when heating the car. This feature is available on Polestar vehicles and can be programmed to start heating the car before you even get in.
Optimize Range with Gentle Driving
Avoiding sudden acceleration and braking in winter conditions can help optimize the range of your electric vehicle and ensure safety on the road. Maintaining a constant speed while driving in winter also helps save battery.
Preparation is Key
Preparation is essential for winter driving. Adding windshield washer fluid to maintain driving comfort in winter conditions is a simple yet important step. For long journeys on less frequented roads, it's a good idea to bring a winter kit that includes essentials such as a blanket, shovel, flashlight, reflective vest, warm jacket, gloves, hat, and inflated tires with monitored tread depth.
Heated Seats and Steering Wheel
Heated seats and a heated steering wheel can keep you warm on shorter trips, allowing you to lower the interior temperature and save energy.
Eco Mode and Eco Tire Pressure
Activating eco mode can help optimize the car's range by making adjustments and activating eco climate control. Using eco tire pressure can also help optimize the car's range.
Battery Charging Tips
Keeping the battery charged to at least 20% is important in cold weather to ensure the battery doesn't run out and has enough charge for reheating the vehicle. If leaving the car in the cold, make sure it's sufficiently charged before leaving. Polestar vehicles have a snowflake symbol on the dashboard that indicates the battery is too cold and can't use all its energy.
Polestar in Winter Testing
The Polestar 3 was recently tested in the Arctic Circle by a group of journalists to evaluate its capabilities in winter conditions. The journalists also tested the Polestar 4 on a frozen lake turned into a test track in northern Sweden. The Polestar 4 was also used for a backwards driving race on September 14, 2025, in Munich, Germany.
Programming Fast Chargers
On longer trips, programming a stop at a fast charger in the navigation system can help ensure optimal battery heating for a faster and more efficient charge.
By following these tips, you can drive your electric vehicle with confidence and comfort in winter conditions. Happy driving!
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