Image: Ford
F-150 Lightning Owners across the country will be facing their first winters with their EV trucks this year, and for many, it will also be their first time experiencing cold weather with an EV in general. However, those who are not sure what to do with charging and driving the vehicle need not worry; Ford backs them. The automaker has some tips that should put owners at ease.
Ford is confident that the F-150 Lightning can withstand extreme temperatures. Ford says tests on the EV pickup were conducted in Alaska and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where temperatures can drop as low as -20°F. But the reality is that electric vehicles suffer energy losses with low temperatures, which affects the autonomy of the vehicle. Therefore, Ford advises owners that this is normal and that they should follow these tips to maximize their range.
The first two tips are obvious: park your vehicle in a garage whenever possible and keep it plugged in.
The third tip can be a bit difficult for some owners, as it involves digging into vehicle setup. Ford says that if a longer drive is planned, owners should pre-condition the battery. This involves either by using the FordPass app or by going into the vehicle’s settings and altering things like departure and arrival times and charge levels.
The fifth tip may make some people a little angry, but it’s understandable. Ford says he avoids using the vehicle’s HVAC system. This may or may not be possible depending on where you live and how cold it is. In freezing or sub-zero temperatures, using the heater can be a life or death situation. Instead, Ford advises owners to use the heated seats and steering wheel as primary heat to reduce energy consumption.
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The sixth tip is another given, with Ford saying to turn off the heater if it’s in use while charging. If you must keep it on, turn the temperature down enough to where it’s comfortable to reduce power consumption.
The last three tips have Ford telling owners to remove all snow from the vehicle before driving, as it adds weight and drag; avoid speeding in cold weather as higher speeds use more power; and make sure all tires have the proper pressure.
Hopefully these tips will help Lightning (and any other EV) owners in areas with cooler temperatures get around. They’re going to need it. Cold weather can cut EV range in half. Some areas, like Canada, face such extreme cold that owners think electric vehicles Won’t even be up to handling your winters, even with automaker-endorsed tips like these. But Ford hopes enough drivers plan ahead so they don’t find themselves stranded and in a dangerous situation.
Source: news.google.com