Can EVs Drive in the Snow?

It’s not uncommon to have some questions when you’re making the switch from a gas-powered vehicle to an electric one. Of particular concern to Chevrolet Of Fairbanks customers is exactly how well an electric vehicle can tackle winter driving. Can EVs drive in the snow that is part and parcel of North Pole and Fort Wainwright winters? We answer this question for you below and share what every EV owner should know about EVs in the snow.

Can EVs Drive in the Snow and Other Winter Weather?

Let’s start with the all-important question: Can EVs drive in the snow? The answer is a resounding yes. While EVs and gas-powered vehicles have many notable differences, their basic construction is largely the same, so EVs in the snow operate in much the same way as gas vehicles in the snow. And there are no engineering elements or design features that would make EVs any less effective in winter weather than their gas-powered counterparts.

Of course, with any winter driving, you always want to take some precautions, regardless of the type of vehicle you’re in::

• Decrease speed
• Maintain a safe following distance
• Keep your windshield wipers and headlights on to ensure visibility
• If your EV offers four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, like the Hummer EV SUV, take advantage of it to guarantee maximum traction on the roads of Eielson Airforce Base and beyond

Are EVs Affected by the Cold?

In general, EVs in the snow do just fine. With that said, one of the biggest factors to keep in mind is the relationship between EVs and cold temperatures. EV batteries, like all batteries, naturally lose some of their charge in extreme cold, which can reduce your driving range. Also, excessive use of a car heater can impact range.

Fortunately, more and more modern EVs have thermal management systems and new heat pump technology to minimize any adverse battery effects resulting from cold temperatures. And if your EV has a preconditioning system, the system can warm the battery and the inside of your EV while it is still plugged in, helping preserve battery range and performance.

Test-Drive Your Next EV at Chevrolet Of Fairbanks Today

As you can see, snow shouldn’t be a major problem for your EV. When you’re in the market for a new electric vehicle, peruse our online inventory, then contact us or stop by the showroom so we can set you up with a test drive around Fairbanks. You can also apply for financing now to save time at the dealership later. A world of powerful, reliable, and ultra-efficient performance awaits at the wheel of your next EV!