Chevrolet Equinox EV
GM EV equipped with advanced thermal management system
GM EVs, including the Chevrolet Equinox EV shown in the photo, are equipped with an advanced thermal management system that keeps the battery at the optimum temperature for all operating conditions, including extreme cold.
Winter is here, bringing with it snow, ice, and frigid temperatures. No matter what vehicle you drive, it’s important to prepare for the cold. GM’s battery-powered electric vehicles have an advanced thermal management system built into the battery pack.
Maintaining an ideal battery temperature is paramount to keeping your battery performing at its best for years to come. When your EV is charging, the vehicle automatically keeps the battery at the ideal operating temperature, heating it on cold winter days and cooling it on hot summer days.
GM EVs also allow you to pre-heat your vehicle via the infotainment system before you set off. The interior will be at a comfortable temperature when you get in, and optional heated front seats will keep you warm. Unlike gasoline or diesel vehicles, emissions-free EVs can be heated even in a closed garage. Heating your vehicle while plugged into a home charger means you can enjoy a warm interior without using range.
GM EVs also allow drivers to set daily preconditioning schedules to suit their driving routines, so even for unplanned trips, they can use the EV’s key or remote start feature on a smartphone app to warm up the vehicle before they get in.
GM’s EVs feature EcoClimate mode, which optimizes heating and cooling of the vehicle’s interior, providing maximum comfort while minimizing battery energy consumption. EcoClimate directs heated or cooled air toward passenger seating, preventing energy waste in unused areas of the vehicle.
All EVs feature an innovative heat pump technology that absorbs heat from the hot air exhausted by the electric motor, electrical system, and brakes that power the vehicle. All of the energy that would normally be wasted is captured in the heat pump and used to heat the interior of the vehicle on cold days. The heat pump operates automatically, eliminating the need to use power from the battery to heat the interior.
Tips for using your EV efficiently during cold weather
GM recommends some tips that can be used during the winter, such as using a heated steering wheel or heated seats instead of the interior air conditioning, which can help reduce energy consumption.
As mentioned above, GM EVs are equipped with many intelligent systems that allow for safe, high-performance, and comfortable driving during winter. However, cold weather can have a significant impact on an EV’s driving range. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your EV during the winter.
When charging at home, plug your EV into a charger whenever you’re not driving. This allows you to pre-heat your vehicle before a trip without draining the battery. GM EVs keep their batteries topped off without overcharging, so you never have to unplug until you’re ready to go.
If your car has a heated steering wheel or heated seats, use them. These can heat passengers using less energy than heating the entire cabin with the air conditioning system. It’s also important to activate “one-pedal driving,” which regenerates energy every time you decelerate and stores it back in the vehicle’s battery.
Always check that your tyres are at the recommended pressure. Just like petrol and diesel cars, EV tyres lose pressure as temperatures drop. Proper tyre pressure will help you drive more efficiently in all conditions.
