Maximizing one’s electric vehicle’s range can be challenging during harsh winters, especially when the temperatures keep dropping for months. While you contribute to the environment by making a conscious choice, EV batteries need extra care and attention during the cold season. Below are some tips and tricks to help maximize your electric vehicle’s range during the winter. You can also speak to a company dealer for more battery care advice.
Charge before the low battery sign
Like any other device working on a battery, EV batteries need to be at an optimal charge level to give the vehicle the right measure of power and efficiency. When the battery power goes down to 20 or 15 percent, it is often in its reserve mode, affecting its optimization. Especially during the winter season, it is advised to keep your battery well above 20%, which helps maintain its long-term stability.
No extra weight allowed
Several factors must be considered for battery health when the weather is too severe. One such aspect involves ensuring the car pulls the ideal weight for the weather. If you feel any lag or slack in the range provided by the car, there may be way too many things or people occupying the vehicle. Therefore, one must reevaluate the situation and remove some of the weight from the car to improve its range of efficiency for the battery.
Parking indoors
Simple science suggests that it takes less energy to maintain a temperature than it does to increase the temperature. By that logic, parking your electric vehicle inside a garage can be a helpful trick. In a garage covered from all sides, the car can remain safe along with the battery, which will not freeze like outdoors. If the garage is heated, it can be even more helpful in maximizing battery range and performance.
Battery warm-up
An easy trick used in combustion cars, battery warm-up, is a step where the driver starts the car and lets it heat up before using it for a drive. It is usually done when the car has not been used for a while. While this method is generally not required for EVs, it can be helpful. It can be done right before you take the car out for a drive, and instead of pre-conditioning the battery by itself, you can do it while it is still charging from the grid. That way, it uses the grid’s power to heat up, not the battery’s. The battery pre-conditioning technique ensures better performance and longer battery life.
Heat the seats
It is a brilliant and efficient trick to use. Most HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems have the option of seat heating which can be used instead of a heater inside the cabin. It takes much more power to heat the air in the cabin than to heat the car seats while driving. It keeps the occupants warm, and the battery range well enough for a smooth ride.
Tire types and pressure requirements
Studies indicate that cold weather leads to decreased amount of pressure in the tires. If there is not enough air pressure in the tires, they may deflate, which can cause drag. This extra drag makes the battery work harder than its optimum levels, affecting its range of performance. Therefore, it is advised to always check your tires frequently during the winter to avoid excessive dragging. Besides tire pressure, it is also necessary to ensure you have the right tires for extreme weather conditions. Winter tires are sold in places that experience intense winters to ensure the safety of the car and its passengers. It is also advised to put snow chains over the tire to increase the grip on the snow-filled road, which can help reduce drag.
Eco-mode driving
Most electric vehicles have an eco-mode feature, essentially used to increase performance and efficiency. The difference is very noticeable when you drive in normal mode compared to the eco mode. The performance will not be affected due to various factors like switching on heaters or acceleration. So to make the most out of your EV, switch to this mode of driving when stepping out.
Keep the EV plugged in
When you are not driving, the best way to maximize your battery’s range is to keep the vehicle plugged in to charge while parked. It ensures that your car’s battery level does not go below the 20% mark, which is the reserve mode. Further, the battery does not have to work to keep the temperature up as it is already getting charged using the grid power supply. It ensures that you always have a charged-up EV to use in times of emergency.
Electric vehicles are a great environment and economical choice, but many depend on convenience. Thanks to developing technology, these EVs are no less than other combustion cars and can easily carry out the job with just a little extra care. It is also best to consult a vehicle expert to know all the information about your car and how to deal with any limitations during the winter season to optimize its performance.
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Alex and Ani sale and what to expect!
Read moreMerely saying the word sale is usually enough to get any woman’s attention but when you say Alex and Ani Sale, you’re guaranteed attention. Alex and Ani jewelry designs are not only beautiful, they are also crafted with love and positive energy that radiates through them. Their range of jewelry includes earrings, bracelets, rings, necklaces, and charms. In addition, they also offer personalized jewelry.
What sets pieces from the Alex and Ani sale apart from other jewelry designs is the positive spirit they are infused with. This is done in three ways. Firstly, the jewelry pieces themselves are crafted with positive intentions in select American factories. This positive spirit is further strengthened by the symbols featured on the designs. Instead of randomly picking motifs and patterns, the designers here meticulously research every symbol before it used to understand the energy it carries with it. While some designs have sentimental references, others act as talismans or protectors. Lastly, each piece of jewelry is positively intended to reflect the unique qualities of the person who will wear it and to empower her.
The amount of attention to detail given to each piece designed by Alex and Ani can be seen most clearly in their expandable range. They know that for jewelry to look its best, it must fit just right. Thus whether it’s a bracelet or a necklace, you can expand or contract the size easily to fit it to your size.
The Alex and Ani sale offer 15% off on select pieces of jewelry from their online collection. These include a wide variety of charm bracelets, Swarovski pendants, rings, and earrings. You can take advantage of this sale throughout March 2017. Unlike other sales, the Alex and Ani sale isn’t meant to simply clear stock but is intended to benefit Best Buddies International. This is an organization that works towards improving the quality of life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing them employment and socialization opportunities. An opportunity to do good while shopping what more could a woman ask for? This sale offers something for everyone. While the kindred cord daisy is an ideal way to remind young girls to dream big and empower themselves to succeed, other bracelets like the Positive is How I Live Charm Bracelet radiate positivity. Sports fans can also find jewelry here that speaks of their support for a particular sport like ice skating or skiing for example.
The beauty of online shopping is that you can shop from the comfort of your home in pajamas or at your office desk when you take a quick break. Either way, when your parcel reaches you, it’s like a present to yourself- now who doesn’t love presents? So browse through the Alex and Ani sale collection and pick your favorites before someone else does.
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How to maintain flawless and healthy-looking skin sitting at home
Read moreEveryone wants to look young and have glowing skin that simply radiates inner beauty. But there are a number of factors that can damage the skin externally and internally without you even noticing something is wrong until it’s too late. Also, getting your skin treated by a professional can cost a lot of money and is not really a necessity unless the damage done is substantial.
There are three simple ways to ensure flawless and healthy, glowing skin sitting right at home. Here is what you need to do.
What type of skin are you working with?
Your beauty and skin care routine will vary depending upon your skin type: too dry, oily, combination of both, or even too sensitive. Once you narrow down a specific type, you can choose products and take the next few steps.Cleanse daily
It is the first essential step to your beauty and skin care routine. Cleansing your skin with harsh soaps or face washes won’t do you any good, which does not mean you’ll need to go to the store and splurge on expensive cosmetics. A mild cleanser, preferably a foam-based formula will help remove the oil, dirt, and pollutants from the pores. Don’t scrub your face like you wash your hands. Apply and follow a firm yet gentle cleansing motion using just your fingers. For dry skin, use cleansers that don’t have any alcohol in them and wash your face with warm water. For oily skin, use a product having an oil-free foam formula. For sensitive skin, use products that feature aloe, chamomile, and even green tea polyphenols to promote a soothing sensation.Moisture regularly
Moisturizing has a number of benefits and forms a crucial part of your home beauty and skin care routine on any given day. Basically the cream or gel solution adds moisture to your skin and helps prevent dryness, slowing the signs of aging, fighting acne, protecting from the UV rays, and also soothing sensitive skin. There are many types of moisturizers available, which are created keeping in mind different types of skin. For example, a regular cream or gel-based formula will protect your skin against extreme changes in weather (heat, cold, humidity). An SPF-based formula on the other hand will protect the skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Moisturizers with deep pore cleansers also help fight acne. It is one of the main reasons why you must know your skin type.Avoid makeup in bed
If you do use makeup during the day, it is a good idea to remove any kind at night before you go to sleep. Makeup leftover from the day can completely clog your pores and cause breakouts. The skin glands will produce more oil to replenish and moisturize the dry parts of the skin, which have gone dry due to makeup. To rinse and remove products, you can use a gentle makeup remover or any cleanser to exfoliate the skin. To dry the skin post washing, use a soft wash cloth or cotton pads. Do not scrub vigorously as the skin on your face is delicate, so always handle with care.