Electric and hybrid cars additionally work with the regenerative braking system. When you take your foot off the accelerator, the slowdown will be much greater than with a thermal car. This allows you to recharge the battery and regain autonomy. This slowdown, which can be quite sudden, risks causing the vehicle to skid.
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Limit regenerative braking
“It is advisable, before starting, to put the regenerative braking in the gentlest mode possible. The objective is that, if we stop accelerating, we do not destabilize the vehicle by braking it heavily. Especially since many electric vehicles are rear-wheel drive, whereas we are used to front-wheel drive, except for Mercedes and BMW. With regenerative braking, when you let go of the throttle, you risk locking your rear wheels, which could seriously destabilize the vehicle. .”
The weight of the electric car also has an impact on braking. “These vehicles are generally between 300 and 500 kg heavier than a similar thermal vehicle. When we have low grip, our braking distances can therefore be increased. And if there is a loss of grip, the inertia is greater and we are more carried away by the weight of the vehicle. We must therefore keep a greater safety distance. Anticipation is really important.
Otherwise, the rules for driving in winter weather remain the same. “We’re going to be gentle on the steering wheel, gentle on the brakes and always watch where we’re going.”
There are courses to learn how to master driving on slippery roads. Certain training courses may even entitle you, under certain conditions, to a reduction in the cost of car insurance.
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Preheat the electric car while it is still charging
One last little tip to follow when the temperatures are negative. “When you defrost the car, it is better to do it when it is still connected to the charging station, because this consumes energy, concludes Tanguy Antoine. This avoids unnecessarily discharging the battery. Especially since in very cold weather, the batteries are less efficient.”
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