Prepare Your Electric Car For Winter

[@Jasona1976]

I own a Chevy Bolt EV and find your tips to be very helpful!! Thanks

[@matneu27]

A fact that I forgot to take care of is the missing waste heat under the engine hood. Thanks for the tips 👍

[@garrylawless3550]

Hi Andy, superb video, and it's never a bad time to be reminded of what preparations are required for winter driving in an EV.👍👍

[@LostInIce4]

Make sure to keep your air pressure around 32 pounds. This will give you optimum grip. Also get silicone grease and put it on all the rubber sealings around the doors and front battery port. This will prevent the doors from freezing shut and or ripping your rubber seals.

[@jur4x]

Another reason to keep screenwash ratio on the safe side - label sometimes might be a bit optimistic, as a friend of mine found out last year. They tend to freeze few degrees short of temperature indicated on the label.

[@ElectricVehicleMan]

Tests have shown this not to be the case with the stuff I mentioned.

[@RWBHere]

Andy, can you put the name of that anti-freeze in the Description for us? It'll save people from having to skim through the video a second time (which I'll be doing shortly). Thanks.

[@country-road-driver]

Thanks for the tip

[@jakjan1]

thank you great advice

[@GlynHudson]

If you set the "end time" on the cars charging timer for the time you leave the car will automatically start charging at the correct time in order to finish charging just when you leave. No calculation needed

[@ElectricVehicleMan]

Not sure if that's across all EV's so played it safe.

[@meszarosp]

Hi EVM, check out the new Michelin CrossClimate 2 all-season (EU)/all-weather(US) tires. There are some really good reviews and tests on YT. Performance looks impressive. But I haven't checked whether there's also a version for EVs ... The 12V battery seems out of place on these modern EVs.

[@ElectricVehicleMan]

Already have Cross C 2’s fit.

[@bitmanev4331]

As I work at the same times 9:00 - 18:00 mo - fri I just have the battery timer to finish at 7:50 and the heater charger to finish at 8:00 works perfectly

[@arondueck]

8:05 to 8:10 good tone of voice! Like your videos and accent! 😂

[@xchopp]

Me too. Reminds me a a little bit of Les Barker (kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6qVoIKEjJ10kNE)! I might be 50 miles wrong though.

[@gardemeister]

What accent is that ?Manchester?

[@RWBHere]

Koray Gun! Don't insult him. (jk) He's a Yorkie, not a Lancastrian. Manchester just sends all of their spare rain over to Yorkshire and dumps it on them!

[@Filtermandave]

I reckon he lives near skipton

[@dg115]

Declutter the car less weight equals more miles. Another option is to wear a few layers of clothing hat and gloves and sod the heating and get more miles. I've got toyo Celsius xl tyres fitted to my car as I live in the peak District. Transforms the handling of the leaf in poor weather. Much more sure footed.

[@MrNuwan2007]

Thanks for your great videos

[@gartronics]

The 12 volt battery gets charged when charging the main battery. At least in my case as I use the level 1 charger. I volt metered the 12 volt battery at 12.6 volts when not charging and 14.7 volts when it was plugged in. I imagine that if you were out and about and the 12 volt battery got low, it would draw from the main pack, but if that were it's only way to charge back up then it would be pointless to have a 12 volt battery at all. you could just have a dc/dc converter in it's place, but that would hurt range. This is a great channel , I just got my 2013 Leaf a month ago. Your videos helped a lot in deciding to get an Ev. I absolutely love my leaf. Just under 49 thousand miles on it and still has 11 of the 12 battery bars.

[@matthewburroughs9597]

Winter is NOt coming, it's on its way. Made me chuckle.

[@coppernesher2791]

What is your opinion about the new Honda eCar?

[@AndyJHiscock]

Great tips - thanks!

[@CrashUK28]

I dress for the cold and drive to work with no heating only the preheat, This way and I can have heat on the way home and still have 10-20 miles

[@hyperbyte2]

I'll do it even though I live in sunny Portugal 🙂

[@leesmith9299]

It's probably best to get your yearly battery replacement done before the winter too.

[@jur4x]

modern 12V batteries last more then couple of years. Even in cold climates. My mum lives in the Baltics. Battery in her car lasted for 9 years, before finally giving up. And there were few winters that went below -20C.

[@fazkhan8009]

You forgot to mention to grow your beard too 🧔 😂😂😂

[@plumberhosegood8296]

Good tips. My 24kw env200 has a timer that works out when to turn on. So if I set it for 7.00 am and glance out the window at 6.30am, it's just finishing off. I assume the Leaf would be the same?

[@FancyaBevMate]

Still waiting for nissans programmers to develop the app for the latest android....its must be so hard to do this when even free apps update their software...

[@SuperDiagnostic]

Yo.. Biggest one for me is don't forget to defrost your headlamps! LED lamps just don't defrost on a journey...

[@spacedoutET]

Had my ev a month now. Got a FINE through the post. I had 10% battery left but needed enough to get me home over 20 miles away. The nearest charger was a 7kwh saibsburys pod point. I had no choice and it took me 40 mins to get enough charge to get home safely to charge. However, this parking firm stated that im only allowed 20mins when store is shut and would have a £70 fine 😱. I had no idea, coz i was panicing about breaking down. Tbh, it you waste time plugging your cable and going on the app, then removing, then would need to be out before 20 mins up. Depending whether you have the 3 or 6kwh charger on leaf, 10 mins would be like 1.5 to 3%. I mean i just aswell not bother and break down. Even asking sainsburys customer care, they didnt even know and just thought it was 3 hours free. I phoned the parking firm to explain and they told me to appeal with explanation. Not being funny, but we dont have the luxury of petrol stations with loads of pumps available at a fast rate filling up. We need to take what we can and if the government want this to take off, we dont need this rubbish. I kept my zafira 7 seater as a back up whilst i test that this ev works. With £70 i could get over 500 miles in my zafira. Not a few in my ev. Ill keep u informed when i hear if they accept my appeal.

[@Plexipal]

YA-NU DIDDLEESQUATS HAPPY GAMING call sainsburys head office and make a fuss, i had a similar thing with a hotel and the hotel got in touch with parking eye and got rid of the “fine”

[@spacedoutET]

ian2802911 thanks. I did speak wirh the customer service, who agreed was stupid fine. I will defo complain ans take it further if they refuse the appeal. Tbh, if they refuse the appeal, they just aswell scrap the appeal systen, coz i don't know who could actually appeal. 😕. Me charging an ev in 10 mins for a couple mile range is like saying people have got 5 to 10 seconds to fill fuel in a petrol station. Its a crazy world. I hate these parking eyes, coz they open the car park and want to catch you out, when you don't know. If it is that big an issue, i would rather them just put a barrier up to stop people entering. They don't want to, coz they can't make money. 🤑🙄. If you go in a pay and display and pay upto 24 hours under £10, how can these stupid £70 fines be justified for 21 mins if you overstay 1 min. 🤔

[@spacedoutET]

Shane exactly buddy. Lol. I told the parking company that i just aswell have used my 7 seater zafira and not bothered hanging around in the cold, but u think you are trying to do a good thing, but get kicked in the nuts for doing so. 😂 . They didn't know what to say on the phone when i explained thw government are trying to promote this, whilst we get punished. 😵. Also, it would have been £70 fine for 21 mins, coz its just anything over 20 mins. Its like saying you are allowed 5 secs to fill in a petrol station 🤣🤣. I think these electric chargers should be all available 24 hours or not stick em in car parks with cameras to fine you. I went into a pay and display car park with barrier and i allowed upto 24 hours for under £10. Yet these stupid firms charge £70 for 21 mins. 🤔. Something needs to be done about these firms.

[@BLACKPEAR99]

When you park on a private car park managed by a parking control company you cannot be fined. What they send you does not have the legal force of a penalty charge notice issued by a council traffic warden. Think of it as an invoice for parking, Just like any gas or electric bill. Refuse to pay it and they are very unlikely to take you to court. Even if they did, it's just a small claims court, not a criminal court. In any case, you can challenge the amount of the charge. They are only legally entitled to ask you to pay "reasonable" charges for the money they have lost plus a reasonable cost of administration. Even if £25 is considered a fair admin cost, they cannot say that 4 hours of parking has lost them £45! These privately issued invoices are a rip off and should never be paid in full.

[@spacedoutET]

@@BLACKPEAR99 i couldn't agree more. i am still waiting for the appeal reply. no news as of yet, but ill post back when i do hear, good or bad. they did say if i pay within 14 days, it's £42 but it will stick at this whilst on appeal. i still will take it further, as i would have no chance charging the car in 10 mins and £42 is still well too expensive for 20 mins. just taking the p**s

[@johndouglas770]

Some good tips and not a single mention of SCRATCHY PLASTIC.

[@bruceharrison9798]

E by gum ekky thump, thanx for the tips

[@JayBonart]

Gearbox Oil?

[@ElectricVehicleMan]

There is no gearbox.

[@chrisredfield3240]

I don't scrap ice anymore i just wait for it all to melt before i go

[@AndyJHiscock]

I believe it was EV Opinions who said when there is ice/snow on the ground drive in D mode not B. IIRC this is to minimise the risk of wheel lock if you hit ice. Great Tips!

[@joker_g7337]

Winter is coming.

[@style11guru]

What's even better is if you charge your car via solar, you keep the car warmer coz of the heat of the sun and that

[@jur4x]

I believe Andy is already at work by the time sun rises.

[@philmitchell3012]

Hi, is it possible to up grade your battery, say I had a 24kw leaf could I change the battery for a 40kw ???

[@ElectricVehicleMan]

Phil Mitchell No.

[@philmitchell3012]

Electric Vehicle Man can't upgrade the battery so nobody wants a 24kw leaf, only 3/4 years old, is it scrapped. Not very eco friendly that.

[@ElectricVehicleMan]

Phil Mitchell The 24kWh Leafs are in high demand and residuals are very strong, so it’s not an issue.

[@1701_FyldeFlyer]

Dont put anti freeze in screenwash, the inevitable splashes will damage the paint work.

[@jur4x]

Who wood even think of it?

[@bloccospirale4280]

eh?

[@1701_FyldeFlyer]

@@jur4x Quite a few people, apparently.

[@jur4x]

@@1701_FyldeFlyer But why?! There is a special screenwash liquid for this purpose. And if you don't have access to it - just pour some slightly diluted vodka :) Afterall, winter screenwash used to be made out of ethanol (not to be confused with methanol) until alcohol duty went to high :)

[@1701_FyldeFlyer]

@@jur4x Did I say I did!? I said Ive known people do this (use antifreeze) because they were not aware of the damage it could do to paint work. They thought the anti freeze would help stopping the screenwashers freeze up. There's nothing wrong with giving this warning to people.

[@nelrobert2200]

Why isn't there $100 electric car drive

[@ElectricVehicleMan]

A what?

[@nelrobert2200]

@@ElectricVehicleMan I want to make $100 mobile device that can be used as the car

[@ElectricVehicleMan]

@@nelrobert2200 You want to make a $100 Electric Car?

[@F15HHOOKS]

Wel, I suppose if you could time travel back around 110 years or so you might be able to make an electric car for $100. Other than that, it can't be done.

[@nelrobert2200]

@@F15HHOOKS I found a loophole with the Ada prisoner Transit law a fast wheelchairs go through the loophole. A chair wheels and electronic motor that goes 55 miles per hour

[@peterhughes2091]

Hi, as a prospective EV buyer early next year I need all the hints and tips I can get so thanks very much. Take care and catch you later. Peter.

[@davidbeaulieu4815]

I wouldn't worry all that much winter is going to stop coming pretty soon.

[@preciousredeemed4165]

@@davidbeaulieu4815 keep believing lies,just like the world was suppose to end in 2012 lol then annunaki aliens coming in 2014 then nibiru in 2015 what is it now?

[@wobby1516]

Agree very good tip with regards to screen washer and for my wife pre heating is a must.

[@dougowt]

I'm surprised they don't heat the washer nozzles. But not sure we needed to know what you get up to with your wife 😂

[@frankdart5508]

Don't forget normal range extending procedures, they are even more essential on winter. Moderate your speed and slipstream larger vehicles at a safe distance when appropriate.

[@staceylee4071]

On the Nissan Leaf if you set just a finish time on the charger, the car will determine when to start charging. Just be aware that if you have a car with a big battery or a slow charger it might start charging before night time electric rate.

[@steveurbach3093]

Thank you. I had to GUESS that the Leafs timers were in fact, 'Finish at' times. A warm battery is a happier battery in cold weather.

[@deansh8506]

As winter approached this year my original 5 year old LEAF battery failed. Couldn't jump start it even for some reason? A new 12v battery sorted it and got a 12v portable booster pack just in case in the future. One issue that meant it made it very difficult to jump start was the fact the car was parked frontwards on the drive. I couldn't move the car off the drive because it was in P mode. Also the jump leads that I had weren't long enough to reach the other car. Live and learn.

[@LittleGreen_Dude]

Something I do to save range I wrap a small blanket around my legs and turn the seat heater on the heat coming off the seat gets trapped uber blanket works very well.

[@G11713]

WTF. Why are there two batteries. Is that second one actually a conventional lead acid battery! Given that flood lead acid self-discharges at 15% while the AGM is at 2% per month, both of which are higher than the Lithium at 0.08% per month, its presence seems like an unnecessary hole in the gas tank. The designer of the leaf was obviously...reluctant.

[@mikeybthepilot]

Pre-heating is the best hidden feature of EV's! My wife declared us to be in the future the first day we didn't have to scrape the windshield. "Two weeks or so below freezing..." Sheesh, must be nice! It's November and it's already been -18 here in Ontario, Canada. Our daytime high's are below freezing and will stay that way probably until April. Good tips though, but we use -50 washer fluid here and actual snow tires (Nokian Hakkapeliitta are the best!!!), all-seasons are what we use in the summer. Timing the charge might help heat the battery overnight but on a typical -20 night here the heat bleeds away so fast that it won't matter much, the battery show no thermal bars in the morning no matter what I do. Pre-heating is key, and keeping the car in a garage overnight if possible helps a huge amount too.

[@dcvariousvids8082]

As with all vehicles, be they EV or ICE, you should also, (if parked outside) clear all the snow off the vehicle before commencing your trip. Not just for safety but it'll also cut the amount of weight carried. Plus, even at low speeds, the vehicle will be more aerodynamic, if you're not lugging 30-60cm of snow on the roof. Nothing to do with range but worth remembering. Keep all your lights/lamps clear of snow/road muck. Clean them before you set off, wipe them while you charge/fill-up and again before the return trip. Great having a shiny car. Even better having a shiny car, that has visible brake lights, fog light, winkers/turn signals. Also, remember with the afternoons / evenings / early mornings being dim; and with poor weather conditions. That while your vehicle might have bright DRLs, these are invariably just in the front lights cluster. So while the front on-coming traffic will see coming. The rear lights will not be on. If you're driving in failing or poor light levels or poor weather conditions, use the side lights too.

[@rupertdewilde705]

Very good points you've made. Just re-iterating and spelling out one very important factor to do with range. As you said "cut the amount of weight carried". People check your boot and ensure you're not carrying around heavy things you are wasting range on. Like that bag of old clothes that's destined for the charity shop but you couldn't stand it kicking around the house so "disappeared it" to the boot of the car (out of sight, out of mind.... out of charge.....).

[@martijnvangammeren1868]

I've a neighbour who leaves like that. Only half of his front window cleaned, all the snow on his roof. I told him many times already but 'it takes too much time'. Then he god in an accident because het couldn't see the other car coming.. But I also see a lot of people with all the snow on the roof that will cover the windscreen if you have to brake harder. Then you have to clean that up.

[@NorthernMonkeeUK]

Clearing the snow and ice off your car is (I think?) a legal requirement. It's so annoying when you're following someone and all of a sudden the massive chunk of ice on their roof comes off and goes through the windscreen of your 2 week old car, all because they couldn't be ar*ed. They carry on with their journey whilst you sit in the freezing cold soaking wet awaiting recovery.

[@RWBHere]

Northern Monkey, you beat me to it. Clearing off the snow before you commence a journey is in the law.I know of people who were fined, one because of having a couple of inches of snow on a rear windscreen, and another who had left snow on the bonnet and roof of the car. You're also supposed to stop and clear off any appreciable snow buildup which occurs whilst travelling. Too many people forget that requirement.

[@smaemurray]

Love the screen wash tip! Thanks. Also you must be one of the lucky few who can actually use the Nissan app. I've been trying unsuccessfully for months to get it up and running. 😞

[@GHOOGLEMALE]

Hadnt thought about much of this so thanks - Very helpful

[@robertwood9155]

Thanks, great tips

[@SamuraiTacos1]

i got a 2019 leaf

[@chrisredfield3240]

Glad you mentioned the oil Lol....

[@williamlorimer060867]

Hi thanks for the tips as for driving in snow what mode to drive in b ,eco,epedal on or off

[@ElectricVehicleMan]

Eco.

[@pieter1102]

Winter is not coming. It's already here. Witness the snow on the ground and the freezing temperatures.

[@Turtytreeandaturd]

Know doubt somewhere in the world but not in the UK..

[@mrpetehampson]

Well said on Michelin Crossclimate Tyres they’re excellent Tyres on snow

[@preciousredeemed4165]

Should I take them off after winter

[@markgaudie80]

I feel lucky have the Tekna Model. One of the main reasons I chose the Tekna was for the heated seats and steering wheel. It’s blooming brilliant on those icy mornings 🥶

[@freathinker]

Thanks for this - really depends on where you live though - -20C is not unusual in Canada and -30C can happen in January/February - our windshield fluid is rated for -40C if you want the good stuff ;-)

[@Hazzer2007]

Regarding your first tip, check with your cars charging program. A few, like the Vauxhall Ampera, will only charge/maintain the 12v battery while the main pack is being charged. Therefore if you do short journeys and quick small chargers, your 12v wont be looked after. Also take this into account if you plan on leaving your car for a long period, drain the main pack and set your car to charge for an hour or two each night at a low amp. Main pack should be fully charged by the time you get back and the 12v will be topped up each night.

[@stealthirl]

What about insulating the heater pipe from the motor compartment into the cabin so the heater dosent have to work as hard ? www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?t=15392

[@wesbutler9999]

Had to replace my 12v battery this last week. No warning at all, went out to go and no go. 2013 Nissan Leaf

[@sbomorse]

The windscreen washer fluid was a great tip.

[@nickhickson8738]

This car doesn't have a BMS. Big mistake!

[@manwithcorsae7738]

Plus one here for Prestone. Highly recommend it. Great video.

[@marzymarrz5172]

You have a really clean garage.

[@iantrott9152]

An excellent video once again :)

[@therandomtester9561]

Don't bother about the chargetimer for batteryheat, I've tested. Don't remember exact numbers here, but I've commented with them in one of EV puzzle's videos. Battery around 0C before charging, went up something like 1-2 C over a 4-6 hour charge on the old Leaf (tested both 10A and 16A).

[@ElectricVehicleMan]

Most chargers here are 32amp so same power over half the time.

[@therandomtester9561]

@@ElectricVehicleMan my Leaf only has the 3.xkW charger, so sadly I can't test any more than 16A. But surely you have Leafspy so you can do the 32A test ;) Would be nice to know. Sure it will increase more with 7kW, but when we're talking around 2C with 16A, I assume we're talking max 4-5C with 7kW empty to full. Not enough to make a difference. Believe this myth is about as true as the myth that you have to drive with radio off for max range..

[@grier2593]

Thanks for the prompt

[@iro-huncarguy8367]

When I had my leaf and tried to register for the app, it said that my car didn't exist. 🤣🤣

[@Smiler7]

It may be fitted with a Klingon cloaking device?

[@iro-huncarguy8367]

@@Smiler7 pretty sure it wasn't

[@stormtrooperste]

Great advice again the subtle sarcasm is always good. Any advice for the steaming up of the windscreen as always get more this time of year and try not to over use screen demister to much impeding range.

[@ElectricVehicleMan]

Steaming up can only come from moisture in the car. Usually from the persons wet coat etc. If not then you need to check for any water ingress etc in the car just to be on the safe side. Car mats are often a culprit as peoples wet shoes make them damp and they don't get chance to dry out. It's also about trying to remove moisture from a relatively sealed space.

[@manwithcorsae7738]

I've got an extendable arm with a cloth on a pad on the end from Lidl (or Aldi) that comes in handy for shifting the mist.

[@SiEffen]

I seem to remember somebody stating they'd had good results with a reusable dehumidifier bag in the car (basically a bag of crystals that absorb moisture). Once they're saturated you put the bag in the microwave to dry it back out. Not tried it myself but they're inexpensive and might be worth a look.

[@lordstevewilson1331]

Are you sure your car doesn't have any oil at all, any type of oil.

[@ElectricVehicleMan]

It does but nothing serviceable by the user.

[@oleksandrvarlamov237]

@@ElectricVehicleMan same serviceable as in an ICE car, maybe even easier ;-) but only makes sense if you plan for a few batteries ahead

[@AB-yt4hd]

Yes, the oil of the transmission like in all cars

[@dianelyvelazquez4287]

Steve W and steering wheel hydraulic oil?

[@nigelweir3852]

Leaf must be the slowest charging car , is it 3.3 kw charging?

[@ElectricVehicleMan]

3.3 or 6.6 depending on spec. It’s the same as any other at home.

[@stili774]

7,4 on the fast charge one, and 50kw dc

[@williamlorimer060867]

Have never slow charged my 40kw leaf always on a rapid

[@xchopp]

2016 e-Golf SE wins: 3.2 kW charging on mine!

[@jur4x]

@@ElectricVehicleMan But you can retrofit 6.6KW charger :) As long as you can get one.

[@Shavenuw129]

To tips as usual, especially about no engine heat to melt washer fluid!

[@OraEtLabora0]

@Electric Vehicle Man you seem to be advising based around your setup. there are fair amount of ppl without home off-street charger...

[@ElectricVehicleMan]

No, I’m advising what can be done where possible. I think it goes without saying that if you can’t do X then don’t.