5 Essential Winter EV Charging Tips

1. Precondition Your Battery

Preconditioning means warming up your battery before you start driving. Most EVs have a “Scheduled Departure” feature that allows you to set a departure time, so your car automatically warms up while it’s still plugged in. This reduces the load on the battery once you hit the road.

Pro Tip: Activate this feature in your EV app to start each drive with a warm battery and a warm cabin.

2. Charge More Frequently

Don’t wait for your battery to hit 10% before charging. In winter, it’s best to charge when your battery is around 20-30%. This helps avoid the risk of the battery freezing and ensures you have a healthy buffer for range reductions caused by the cold.

Pro Tip: If you're using OpConnect's charging network, you can check charger availability in real-time using our mobile app.

3. Park in a Garage (if possible)

If you have access to a garage or covered parking, use it! It keeps your battery at a higher temperature compared to outdoor parking, reducing the need for preconditioning and improving charging times.

Pro Tip: If a garage isn’t an option, parking close to a building or natural windbreaks can shield your EV from extreme cold.

4. Charge at Warmer Times of the Day

Cold mornings can be tough on EVs, so try to schedule your charging sessions during the warmest part of the day (typically mid-afternoon). The warmer your battery is, the faster it will charge.

Pro Tip: Use OpConnect's chargers at your workplace during the day to charge while you work — it’s an efficient way to maintain range.

5. Use Heated Seats, Not Cabin Heat

Cabin heating is one of the biggest drains on EV battery life during winter. Instead of blasting the cabin heater, use heated seats, which are far more energy-efficient. They keep you warm while preserving your battery's range.

Pro Tip: Invest in thermal seat covers or blankets for an extra layer of warmth on long trips.

How OpConnect Keeps You Charged in Any Weather

Unlike EV batteries, which experience range loss in winter, OpConnect’s EV chargers are built for all weather conditions — rain, snow, or freezing temperatures. Here’s how we keep you charged all year long:

• Weather-Resistant Hardware: Our chargers are built with durable, all-weather materials to withstand extreme cold and snow.
• Customer Support: Our 24/7 support line is always ready to assist drivers and site hosts if there are any issues.

Final Thoughts

Winter driving doesn’t have to be stressful for EV drivers. With a few simple adjustments — like preconditioning your battery, charging more frequently, and using heated seats instead of cabin heat — you’ll keep your battery healthy and your range strong. And with OpConnect's weather-resistant stations, you can charge smarter, cleaner, and greener — all winter long.

Stay warm, stay charged, and drive safely this winter!