[ad_1]
F-150 Lightning Owners across the country will face their first winters in their EV pickups this year — and for many, it’s also the first time they’ll experience cold weather with an EV at all. Those who aren’t sure what to do with charging and driving a car don’tt need to worry though; Ford had his back. The automaker has some tips that should put owners at ease.
Ford is confident the F-150 Lightning can handle extreme temps. Ford said EV pickup testing was done in Alaska and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where temperatures can drop as low as -20°F. But the fact is that EVs suffer from energy loss with low temperatures, which affects the range of the vehicle. So Ford is letting owners know that this is all normal and to follow these tips to maximize their coverage.
The first two tips are obvious: park the car in a garage whenever possible and keep it plugged in.
The third tip may be a bit trying for some owners because it involves digging into the vehicle settings. Ford says that if a longer trip is planned, owners should precondition the battery. Included here either using the FordPass app or going to vehicle settings and changes things like departure and arrival times and charge levels.
The fifth tip might make some people a little crazy, but it’s kind of self-explanatory. Ford says to avoid 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 below temperatures, using a heater can be a life or death situation. Instead, Ford advises owners to use the heated seats and steering wheel for primary heat to reduce energy consumption.
G/O Media may earn a commission
The sixth tip is another given, with Ford it is said to turn off the heater if it is in use when charging. If you must wear it, lower the temperature enough to where it’s comfortable for reduced energy consumption.
The last three tips have Ford tells owners to remove all snow from the vehicle before driving because it adds weight and drag; avoid acceleration in cold weather as higher speeds use more energy; and make sure all tires are at the correct pressure.
Hope, these tips help Lightning (and any other EV) owners in areas with lower temps get around. They will need it. Cold weather can cut the EV range in half. Some places, like Canada, are facing so much cold that owners there are thinking EVs won’t even face their winters, even with automaker-backed tips like these. But Ford hopes enough drivers plan ahead so they don’tt find themselves stranded and in a dangerous situation.
[ad_2]
Source link
