How to Prepare Your Electric Vehicle for Cold Airports in Winter | Take the Necessary Precautions Now!
Cold weather can be a challenge for electric vehicles, especially when it comes to airport parking. With temperatures ranging from -15° to -20° C, it is important to understand how the battery will react and what precautions should be taken.
The good news is that batteries generally don't drain due to cold. However, a portion of the potential chemical energy becomes unavailable as the chemical reactions require energy (heat) to occur. This "locked up" portion of the battery will appear as blue on the car's battery display. The range estimates may also decrease significantly if the car has been sitting in very cold temperatures for a while. Fortunately, this "locked up" energy will be unlocked as you start driving the car and the battery warms up from use.
It is recommended to look around for some 120V plugs, as there are usually more than people think there is. Pre-conditioning for an hour or two before returning can also help unlock this potential energy. Taking an Uber/Lyft/Taxi to the airport is another option that could save money and avoid relying on an Uber driver arriving on-time going/coming from the airport.
When it comes to sub-zero temperatures, keeping Sentry mode off will definitely help minimize battery drain. It is also important to have the car plugged in overnight at these temperatures, as coolant heating will be significant and can cause a considerable amount of battery drain. Pre-heating for 3-5 minutes before driving away is usually enough for comfort, but if there is ice or snow melt coating the car, pre-heating for about 30 minutes may be necessary.
In conclusion, understanding how batteries react in cold weather and taking proper precautions can help ensure your car is ready for your return trip home. Pre-conditioning the car, keeping Sentry mode off, and pre-heating for a few minutes before driving away are all important steps to take. Additionally, looking around for 120V plugs and taking an Uber/Lyft/Taxi to the airport can save money and avoid relying on an Uber driver arriving on-time going/coming from the airport.
Will my car battery drain due to cold weather if I park it at the airport for 10 days?
No, batteries generally don't drain due to cold. However, a portion of the potential chemical energy may become unavailable as the chemical reactions require energy (heat) to occur. If your car has been sitting in very cold temperatures for a while, then the Battery Management System will report a large decrease in range estimates. This "locked up" portion of the battery will appear as blue on the car's battery display and will unlock as you start driving and the battery warms up from use.
Is there an advantage to pre-conditioning my car for such a long time?
Pre-conditioning your car before returning from vacation is recommended as it will help reduce any range loss due to cold soak. The Model 3 doesn't use any electrical energy to keep the coolant from freezing when it's parked, but sub-zero temperatures can still drain the battery when the car is parked. Plugging into an electrical outlet (just like a gas or diesel car) is recommended if you have extreme weather that goes significantly below -30 C.
What should I do if my car doors are frozen shut?
If your car doors are frozen shut, you can try banging on them with gloved fists or using hot water in a thermos to defrost them. If you're too far from an electrical outlet to defrost with a hair dryer, you may want to consider taking an Uber/Lyft/Taxi to the airport instead.
Is it safe to leave my car at the airport for 10 days?
Yes, it is generally safe to leave your car at the airport for 10 days. However, you should always check with the airport's parking regulations before leaving your car there. Additionally, you may want to consider investing in a car cover or other protective measures to ensure that your car is protected from any extreme weather conditions while parked.