Electric Cars in the Winter

If you’re new to electric vehicle ownership in the Seattle area, you probably have some questions about what it’s like to own a BMW EV in the winter. Are electric cars good in the winter? And just how cold is too cold for electric cars? Winter conditions are not bad for your EV’s health, but the colder temperatures can impact how long it takes to charge the battery. As long as you’re prepared and adjust your routine accordingly, you should have no problem driving your EV around Bellevue this winter. BMW Seattle provides more tips and information below! 

Are Electric Cars Good in the Winter? 

There are many compelling benefits of owning an EV in Lynnwood, but you also want to make sure an EV is a practical choice for your year-round driving experience. So, are electric cars good in the winter? With proper care, your EV can seamlessly transition from summer to fall and winter. 

The main thing you should prepare for is the fact that colder temperatures can impact the battery’s capacity. You will likely need to charge your EV more often, and charging sessions may take longer than usual. 

Keep in mind that BMW’s home is in Germany, where winters can be particularly harsh with frigid temperatures and heavy snow. Thus, BMW electric vehicles are engineered to meet the challenges of those harsh winter conditions. Winter temperatures in Seattle tend to be a lot more mild, and we don’t get snow very often, but you should still be prepared. 

What Do I Need to Winterize My Electric Vehicle? 

Preparedness is key when it comes to driving your EV in the winter. If you’re wondering, “What do I need to winterize my electric vehicle?”, read below for our top tips! 

Snow Tires for Electric Vehicles

If you’re an all-season outdoor enthusiast, you’re bound to ask, “Can I drive my electric car in the mountains in the winter?” Snow tires are strongly advised for any vehicle in the winter, including electric vehicles. They’re essential for driving in the mountains, but you’ll be glad to have them and the extra traction during the occasional snowfall in Seattle, too. 

Brake Maintenance 

One of the greatest benefits of owning an EV is that it requires less maintenance than gas vehicles with internal combustion engines. However, routine brake maintenance is still essential and should be performed to prep your EV for winter. You might not need the brake fluid replaced, but the overall braking system should get inspected and tuned up if needed. 

Battery Service

Electric cars have a long battery life, but you still want to schedule a battery inspection before the winter to ensure your battery is in good condition. 

When thinking about electric car batteries in the winter, it’s also good to return to the question, “Can I drive my electric car in the mountains in the winter?” Going to the mountains can mean significant elevation gain and sudden drops in temperature. How cold is too cold for electric cars? At 20 degrees Fahrenheit, an EV’s range can drop as much as 41% due to reduced battery capacity and increased energy consumption for heating the cabin. Consider these facts and plan accordingly (for example, charge your EV to 100%) before you drive to the mountains. 

Winterize Your BMW EV at the BMW Seattle Service Center

You can schedule an appointment at our service center to have your BMW EV inspected and winterized before the temperatures start to drop in Seattle. Our tire center can recommend winter tires for your BMW iX and install them for a competitive price. Do you have additional questions related to “What do I need to winterize my electric vehicle?” Contact us to start a conversation, and we will be happy to offer more personalized information and advice!