Getting Your EV Ready for Winter
Winter is one of the toughest seasons for electric vehicles. Cold temperatures reduce battery efficiency, road conditions worsen, and charging can take longer than usual. But with the right preparation, your EV can handle winter just as smoothly as spring or summer.
Whether you're a new EV owner or looking for a seasonal refresh, this guide covers everything you need to keep your electric car performing at its best through the colder months — from tyre safety, to charging cable care, to battery health tips.
Let’s get your EV winter-ready.
Looking for an EV cable? Check out our range of Type 2 EV Charging Cables.
1. Winter Tyres & Tyre Care for EV Drivers
Tyres have a huge impact on winter performance. They affect braking distances, energy consumption, range, and overall safety — especially on wet, icy, or frosty roads.
Check Your Tread Depth
Tyres with low tread struggle to grip cold, slippery surfaces. You can check your tread depth with a 20p coin: Insert the coin into the tread — if you can see the outer rim, it’s time for a replacement.
For added safety, many experts recommend changing tyres once they reach 3mm, as wet-weather braking distances increase significantly below this level.
Maintain Correct Tyre Pressure
Cold weather reduces tyre pressure, which can:
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Decrease range.
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Increase rolling resistance.
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Affect braking and steering.
Check your tyre pressures weekly and keep them at the manufacturer’s recommended PSI.
Consider All-Season or Winter Tyres
If you live in an area prone to frost or snow, winter or all-season tyres can greatly improve grip and reduce energy loss. EV-specific tyres are best, as they’re engineered to handle higher weights and torque.
2. Winter Battery Care: Maximise Range & Performance
EV batteries are sensitive to temperature, and cold weather naturally affects their efficiency. But the right habits make a big difference.
Precondition Before Driving
Preheating your battery (and cabin) before you leave boosts range and ensures optimal performance at public rapid chargers. Always precondition while plugged in — using grid power instead of your battery.
Set Off with a Warm Battery
Even a mild temperature increase helps maintain range. If possible:
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Park in a garage.
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Keep the car plugged in overnight.
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Avoid letting the battery cool to extremely low levels before charging.
Use Heating Efficiently
Cabin heating is one of winter’s biggest energy drains. Instead:
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Use heated seats & steering wheel.
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Lower cabin temperature slightly.
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Avoid constant window demisting.
This alone can save 10–20% of your winter range.
Charge More Frequently
Shorter, more regular charging sessions help maintain battery temperature and improve efficiency. Aim to keep your charge between 20% and 80%, especially in cold weather.
3. EV Charging Cables: Winter Safety & Maintenance
Cold, wet, and frosty weather can make winter charging more challenging — but the right cable and care routine ensures safe, reliable charging every time.
Use a Weather-Resistant Cable
EVwired’s Type 2 charging cables are IP55 weather-resistant, meaning they can handle rain, frost, sleet and winter conditions safely — ideal for outdoor charging.
Keep Connectors Clean & Dry
Wipe snow or moisture from your connectors before plugging in. Keeping your contacts dry ensures:
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Smooth charging.
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Safe electrical connection.
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Longer cable lifespan.
Store Your Cable Properly
When not in use:
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Coil your cable loosely.
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Keep it in the EVwired carry case.
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Avoid leaving it on wet ground.
This prevents freezing, stiffness and unnecessary wear.
Choose the Right Cable Length
Winter often means crowded public chargers and awkward parking positions. A longer 7m or 10m charging cable give you flexibility when access isn't ideal.
4. Prepare a Winter EV Kit
A winter-ready kit keeps you safe and comfortable on the road. Include:
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Type 2 charging cable (7kW or 22kW).
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Warm gloves for handling icy charging cables.
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Torch or headlamp.
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Ice scraper & de-icer.
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Portable power bank.
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Blanket and emergency snacks.
These small items can make a big difference if you’re stuck in traffic or delayed at a charger.
5. Use Regenerative Braking Wisely
Regenerative braking is great for recovering energy, but in icy conditions it can feel abrupt.
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Use higher regenerative braking in normal wet conditions.
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Switch to lower regenerative braking on ice or snow for smoother traction.
6. Drive Smoothly & Reduce Speed on Motorways
Winter is the season for gentle driving. You’ll improve range and safety by:
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Accelerating gradually.
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Maintaining consistent speeds.
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Reducing motorway speeds slightly.
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Avoiding unnecessary overtaking.
Smooth driving is one of the easiest ways to extend winter range.
Power Through Winter with EVwired
From batteries, to cables, to tyres, preparing your EV for winter ensures safer driving, better efficiency and less range anxiety. And with EVwired’s premium Type 2 EV charging cables, you're equipped for reliable charging all season long.
Why EVwired cables are winter-ready:
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5-year warranty.
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IP55 weather-resistant.
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Available in 7kW & 22kW.
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Free fast-tracked UK delivery.
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Includes free storage case & connector caps.
Built for durability. Built for UK weather. Built for your peace of mind.
Winter driving doesn’t have to mean reduced performance or stressful charging. With smart preparation and the right equipment, your EV will handle cold temperatures safely, efficiently and comfortably.
Stay charged. Stay warm. Stay winter-ready with EVwired.
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