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Navigating Electric Cars in Winter Climate: A Practical Handbook

Optimize your Polestar's electric vehicle's range and efficiency in cold weather with these valuable winter driving tips. This article delves into considerations to bear in mind while cruising your Polestar during the winter season.

Navigating Electric Vehicles in Cold Conditions: A Pragmatic Guidebook
Navigating Electric Vehicles in Cold Conditions: A Pragmatic Guidebook

In the icy landscapes of Jokkmokk, Sweden, Polestar recently tested its latest offerings, the Polestar 3 and Polestar 4, to evaluate their performance in cold conditions. This testing, led by Joakim Rydholm, Head of Chassis Development at Polestar, is a testament to the company's commitment to designing and testing vehicles for Snow and Ice environments.

Winter driving requires preparation, as your well-being depends on it. Polestar vehicles are equipped with several features to help drivers navigate the season safely. Tire pressure drops with temperatures, so it's essential to ensure tires are properly inflated and check the tread depth during winter. The "Plus" package includes a special heat pump, a more efficient heating system that uses less energy.

When embarking on a longer journey that requires a charging stop, adding a stop at a fast-charging station to the navigation route can ensure the battery is heated to the optimal level for charging. Scheduling pre-conditioning allows the battery to warm up and be at optimal temperature by the time you start driving, saving range and battery energy.

Maintaining a battery charge above 20% is important to ensure enough energy for reheating and maintaining necessary range in cold weather. It's also crucial to top up windshield washer fluid during winter driving.

Activating "Eco" mode for the climate control and tire pressure can help maintain a comfortable cabin temperature while using less energy. Using the heated seats and steering wheel on short trips can allow you to lower the heat while maintaining a comfortable cabin temperature.

Over a century, the art of high-speed driving has been studied, practiced, adapted, and debated. But now, with Polestar's specialization in high-performance electric vehicles, there's a new focus on electric driving techniques. This shift is evident in the unique driving challenges Polestar vehicles have taken on, such as the backwards racing challenge with a rally legend, demonstrating the capabilities of the Polestar 4 in unique driving conditions.

The snowflake icon on the Polestar display indicates when the battery is too cold to use all available energy. Covering the Polestar with a tarp or an ice-resistant cover can help save energy during preheating.

When venturing out on less-traveled roads during winter, it's advisable to carry a winter kit that includes a blanket, shovel, flashlight, reflective vest, heavy jacket, gloves, hat, and proper tire equipment. This kit can prove invaluable in ensuring safety and comfort during unexpected situations.

As we navigate the transition to electric vehicles, Polestar is leading the way in adapting driving techniques to the unique challenges of electric vehicles in winter conditions. With their focus on performance, efficiency, and safety, Polestar is setting a new standard for electric driving in the winter.

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