It’s that time of year again—as temperatures drop and travelers anticipate inclement weather, winter driving is upon us. It has already been well established that EVs perform reliably in cold weather conditions; however, it is just as important that charging infrastructure—also known as EV supply equipment (EVSE)—is dependable for drivers hitting the road for the holidays. Here are five things charging providers and site hosts can do to ensure their chargers are reliable year-round, including through the winter.
Key Recommendations
1. Choose charging equipment that is appropriate for cold weather.
Before even installing EVSE, site operators can work with their EVSE manufacturer/supplier to find ready-made equipment appropriate for the local climate (some EVSE is certified to operate in temperatures as low as -40°F) or to make custom modifications to ensure the equipment suits the charging location’s needs (i.e. add extra insulation, waterproofing, weatherproofing, etc.).
2. Deploy redundant EVSE based on winter estimates.
Colder temperatures can lead to extended charging sessions. Factoring this in when deciding how many charging stations a site needs is important to ensure that all EV drivers who arrive to charge can continue on their journeys without significant delays.
3. Install canopies for EVSE.
If possible, site hosts should install their EVSE in car parks or under awnings to protect the charging equipment from harsh weather and provide easier operating conditions. While most EV chargers carry a weather rating and can handle rain, snow, and other precipitation, canopy coverage can help minimize ice accumulation and protect from other weather that can interfere with drivers’ use of charging ports.
4. Provide proper predictive maintenance.
Regular cleaning and maintenance of EVSE can reduce the risk of damage during extreme weather events; EVSE operators should establish predictive maintenance routines to enable regular equipment inspections and timely repairs before critical failures occur. Using networked EVSE can help automate this process and give drivers the information they need to plan around site outages when they occur.
5. Equip the site with solar panels and microgrids.
Microgrid solutions, including on-site power generation and storage, can help ensure reliable service for travelers during grid outages caused by inclement weather. Incorporating these types of energy solutions can be especially helpful at charging sites located in remote areas where there are fewer charging options available to drivers.
Planning a winter road trip? Here are some tips and tricks to help ensure a smooth journey.
- Precondition your car’s cabin. Heating your car’s cabin while it’s still plugged into a power source can extend the range available for your trip.
- Prepare your car’s battery for charging ahead of time. Using your in-car GPS to activate battery preconditioning about 20 miles before you arrive at a charging station can speed up the charging process.
- Make informed choices during your drive. Understanding how different drive modes work (such as “eco” versus “regular,”) and utilizing features like one-pedal driving can help you extend travel between charges.
- Keep your tires inflated to proper pressure. In cold weather, when tire pressure can decrease, keeping your tires properly inflated can help maximize range.
Have questions about what EVSE is best suited for your site location? Need help finding funding for charging site improvements? Contact the EC programs team at infrastructure@electrificationcoalition.org.