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Navigating Electric Vehicles in Cold Climates: Tips and Tricks

Strategies for enhancing autonomy and efficiency of your electric vehicle in cold weather, especially when driving a Polestar during the winter months. This article provides insights into essential factors to keep in mind.

Managing an electric vehicle during frigid temperatures: Tips for a smooth ride
Managing an electric vehicle during frigid temperatures: Tips for a smooth ride

In the heart of Sweden's snowy landscapes, the Polestar 3 was recently put to the test in the frigid temperatures of Jokkmokk. Journalists braved the cold and minimal daylight to assess the electric vehicle's capabilities during a two-week period on a frozen lake turned test track.

The Polestar 3's performance during the winter testing will be shared in future press impressions, but initial feedback suggests it held up remarkably well in the harsh winter conditions.

Regardless of the car you drive, winter preparation is crucial, especially when journeys are longer and roads are less frequented. With the Polestar 3, there are several features designed to help drivers navigate the winter season more comfortably and efficiently.

Heated seats and steering wheel can keep the driver warm on shorter trips, allowing for lower interior temperatures. This not only improves comfort but also conserves energy. Ensuring the battery in your Polestar vehicle is charged to at least 20% before leaving it in cold conditions can prevent it from running out.

For longer trips, scheduling a stop at a fast charger in the navigation system can ensure optimal battery heating and a faster charge. Polestar also offers a preconditioning function to warm the car before driving, saving battery energy.

The Plus Pack, an optional extra, includes a thermal pump for more efficient heating, improving the vehicle's range in cold weather. Eco mode in Polestar vehicles can increase range by making adjustments to climate control and tire pressure.

Properly inflating tires and monitoring their tread depth is essential in winter conditions, as temperatures can cause tire pressure to drop. A reverse drive race in a Polestar 4 is a unique challenge, requiring specific techniques for driving an electric vehicle like a pro.

Avoiding sudden acceleration and braking in winter conditions can help optimize range and ensure safety. Joakim Rydholm, the chassis development manager at Polestar, offers insights into driving techniques for electric vehicles.

Preparing a winter kit, including a blanket, shovel, flashlight, reflective vest, warm jacket, gloves, hat, and other essentials, is important for unexpected winter scenarios. Adding windshield washer fluid is necessary for driving comfort in winter, as it helps clear the windshield effectively.

Polestar vehicles are tested in harsh winter conditions, including snow and ice, to ensure they can handle the challenges of winter driving. The dashboard displays a snowflake icon when the battery is too cold, limiting its energy usage.

In addition to the winter testing, Polestar vehicles are also tested in extreme temperatures, from the freezing cold of Jokkmokk to the scorching heat of deserts. This commitment to testing in various conditions ensures that Polestar vehicles are built to perform in a wide range of environments.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Polestar 3's winter testing and its performance in real-world conditions.

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