Driving an Electric Hyundai in a New Brunswick Winter: 7 Tips
One of the most common questions we hear from Fredericton drivers thinking about an electric vehicle is simple: "How will it handle our winters?" The honest answer is that EVs work well in the cold, but they behave a little differently than a gas vehicle. Knowing what to expect makes all the difference.
Whether you drive an IONIQ 5, IONIQ 9 or Kona Electric, or you are thinking about making the switch, here are some tips from the team at Steele Hyundai Fredericton.
Why Range Drops in the Cold
Batteries are less efficient in cold temperatures, and your EV also uses energy to heat the cabin and keep the battery at a healthy temperature. That means your winter range will be lower than your summer range. The amount varies with temperature, speed and how you use the heat, but planning for it is easy once you know it is coming.
1. Precondition While You Are Plugged In
This is the single best winter habit for EV owners. Set your Hyundai to warm the cabin before you leave while it is still plugged in. You get into a warm car with a clear windshield, and the energy comes from the grid instead of your battery. Depending on your model and equipment, you can often schedule this ahead of time or start it from your phone.
2. Use Heated Seats and the Heated Steering Wheel
Heating you directly uses much less energy than heating all the air in the cabin. On models that have them, heated seats and a heated steering wheel let you keep the cabin temperature a little lower while staying comfortable, which helps preserve range.
3. Charge at Home When You Can
A Level 2 home charger makes winter EV ownership much easier. Plugging in overnight means you start every day with the charge you need, and your vehicle can precondition from the charger in the morning. Parking in a garage, even an unheated one, also helps your battery stay warmer.
4. Plan Ahead for Fast Charging
A cold battery charges more slowly. If you are heading to a DC fast charger on a road trip, using your vehicle's navigation to route to the charger lets compatible models warm the battery on the way, so it is ready to accept a faster charge when you arrive. Check your owner's manual or ask us how this works on your model.
5. Keep an Eye on Tire Pressure
Tire pressure drops as temperatures fall, and under-inflated tires reduce efficiency and grip. Check your pressure regularly through the winter. And yes, EVs benefit from winter tires just as much as gas vehicles do.
6. Drive Smoothly
Gentle acceleration and steady highway speeds use less energy in any season, but it matters more in winter. Regenerative braking helps you recapture energy as you slow down, though you may notice it is limited when the battery is very cold.
7. Give Yourself a Buffer
On longer winter drives, leave a little more charge in reserve than you would in the summer. It gives you peace of mind if a storm slows traffic or you need to take a detour.
Thinking About Going Electric?
Hyundai's electric lineup gives Fredericton drivers plenty of choice, from the compact Kona Electric to the IONIQ 5 and the three-row IONIQ 9. Our team can help you understand real-world winter range, home charging and whether an EV, hybrid or plug-in hybrid is the best fit for how you drive. Visit Steele Hyundai Fredericton to take one for a test drive.
Getting your vehicle ready for the season? See our winter-ready checklist.
