Plug-in hybrids: How to pack in the winter
NO COLD IN THE FROST In winter, temperatures outside are often below freezing in the morning. We know what cold generally means for drivers. Drivers of a plug-in hybrid should follow these tips from an expert. Charge the battery while the vehicle is warm. The battery range of a plug-in hybrid in electric mode can be affected by low temperatures. The [...]
Charge the battery while the vehicle is warm. The battery range of a plug-in hybrid in electric mode can be affected by low temperatures. However, the battery system has various features and energy management procedures that help minimize this effect as much as possible.
Cold influences the electrochemical processes
Francesc Sabaté, Head of Energy Systems Development Seat: "The cold affects battery performance due to the electrochemical processes that take place inside the lithium-ion cells. It is best to charge the battery immediately after driving in a closed room protected from the cold so that the battery temperature does not drop. This improves the efficiency of the charging process."
There is no perfect temperature for car trips
Preheat the interior of the vehicle. There is no perfect temperature for car travel, as the weather outside affects the condition inside. Nevertheless, the electrical components work most efficiently at 21.5 to 22 degrees Celsius.
To achieve this temperature without losing battery range, the best solution is to switch on the vehicle's heating a few minutes before getting in, or to activate the heated seats and steering wheel via the Seat Connect app, for example, while the vehicle is still connected to the charger. In this way, the interior of the vehicle is already warm when you get in, without having to use battery power for this when you start driving.
Activate preheating function before the ride begins
Turn on the ignition in combustion mode. In very cold weather, leave your vehicle plugged in when parking so that you can activate the preheat function and warm up the battery before you start driving.
Francesc Sabaté: "In this case, the vehicle starts in combustion mode, which means that the right temperature for battery use is reached after only a short time. Extreme weather tests that the electric vehicles have to undergo ensure that the plug-in hybrids function optimally."
Gentle driving and regenerative braking
Drive in a relaxed manner. Smooth driving is the key to reducing consumption. With a plug-in hybrid, this is even more important because the electric motor is working at full power right from the start when you get into the car in winter.
In addition, a gentle driving style helps to recover energy through regenerative braking. This can increase the battery's range compared to a driving style with more aggressive braking.
