Let’s be honest, charging an electric car in winter can be a bit of a pain. Especially if you’ve got a cold battery and you’re relying on a DC fast charger to get you moving again. A chilly battery can seriously slow down how much power it takes in, leaving you waiting longer than you planned.
Luckily, there are things you can do to speed things up and get your cold battery ready for a rapid winter charge. If your car can precondition its cold battery (warm it up before you get to the charger), that’s obviously the best way to go. But what if you’re driving an EV that doesn’t have this feature? That’s where the technique called “Yo-Yo’ing” comes in.
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What’s Yo-Yo’ing, and How Does it Heat My Cold Battery?
Yo-Yo’ing is when you purposely drive your EV in a slightly unusual way to build up heat in the battery. Think of it like gently revving the engine of a regular car (but don’t try that with your EV!). Instead of keeping a steady speed, you alternate between gentle acceleration and regenerative braking.
Why the weird driving pattern? Well, electric cars are super efficient, but even they lose some energy as heat when you charge or discharge the battery. By rapidly switching between using the battery for power and then topping it back up with regen, we can make it work harder and generate some internal heat. This warmth is what primes it to accept a much faster charge.
EVs That May Need the Yo-Yo Treatment
Most recent EVs warm up their cold batteries automatically when you’re on the way to a fast (DC) charger. But, some older models or more basic EVs don’t do this. If you’ve parked your EV outside all night in freezing temperatures, warming up the cold battery becomes essential for a decent charging session.
The easiest way to heat the cold battery is to drive for 20-30 minutes on the highway before fast charging. However, if you’re short on range and can’t hit the highway, Yo-Yo’ing can be a lifesaver.
How to Yo-Yo Your EV
- Find a suitable road: Somewhere safe with minimal traffic is ideal. Don’t get carried away and do this in bad weather or busy areas.
- Gentle is key: You don’t have to floor it or slam on the regen! Increase your speed by roughly 5 MPH, then let regen slow you back down. Repeat this process for 10-20 minutes.
- Watch your power meter: See those power spikes? That’s your cold battery working hard and generating heat.
Beyond Just Faster Charging: Yo-Yo’ing for Better Winter Range
Interestingly, while Yo-Yo’ing was born from the need for faster charging a cold battery, it can also positively impact your EV’s winter range. A warmer battery simply performs better than one that’s frozen through! While it’s not a substitute for proper winter driving techniques (smooth inputs, less aggressive driving), a warmed-up battery will be more efficient overall, helping you squeeze out those extra miles.
Practical Winter Driving Tips Alongside Yo-Yo’ing
- Plan ahead: If possible, schedule your fast charging stops for when the battery is already somewhat warm after a drive.
- Precondition if you can: Even if your EV doesn’t actively heat the battery en route to a charger, most will let you precondition the cabin while plugged in. This pulls some power from the grid, indirectly warming the battery too.
- Park smart: When possible, park in a garage or a sheltered spot out of the wind. This will help slow down how quickly the battery loses its temperature.
Important Notes on Yo-Yo’ing
- Safety first: Traffic, road conditions, and common sense must always come before charging speed.
- Last resort: Ideally, try to keep your EV plugged into a Level 2 charger overnight to keep the battery warm. Yo-Yo’ing can cause a bit of extra wear on your tires, so only use it when necessary.
Remember, a warm toasty battery is a happy battery when it comes to fast charging and getting the most out of your EV’s range in winter. By understanding how your EV battery works and with a few tricks up your sleeve, you can be ready for those chilly winter road trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is too cold to charge an electric car?
Technically, you can charge an electric car in any temperature. But, the speed at which it charges can be significantly reduced in extremely cold weather. This is because the chemical reactions inside the battery slow down at low temperatures, making it harder for the battery to accept a charge quickly. Most EVs will still charge, just slower.
Is it OK to charge a car battery in freezing temperatures?
Yes, it’s generally okay to charge an electric car battery in freezing temperatures (below 0°C). However, charging speeds will be slower than in warmer conditions. If possible, park your EV in a garage or sheltered area to minimize heat loss and help the battery charge slightly faster.
Does the cold affect electric car batteries?
Yes, cold temperatures definitely affect electric car batteries. Here’s how:
Reduced Range: Cold batteries are less efficient, meaning you’ll get fewer miles per charge in winter.
Slower Charging: As mentioned, batteries take longer to charge up when they are cold.
Potential Long-term Effects: While rare, repeated exposure to extreme cold without proper battery care could slightly impact the overall lifespan of an EV battery.
What temperature should electric car batteries be charged at?
For optimal charging speed and battery health, most EV batteries prefer to be between 60°F and 80°F (15°C to 27°C) during charging. Many modern EVs have battery temperature management systems that actively heat or cool the battery as needed to keep it within this optimal range.
Can I use the Yo-Yo technique to improve my EV’s winter range?
Yes, but to a limited extent. While Yo-Yo’ing helps with faster charging, it also has a small positive effect on your EV’s overall winter range. A warmer battery operates slightly more efficiently than a completely cold battery. However, it’s important to remember that Yo-Yo’ing shouldn’t replace good winter driving habits (smooth acceleration, less aggressive driving) for maximizing range.
