Winter in Ireland might not bring heavy snowstorms, but colder weather can still have a bit of an impact on your electric vehicle. A drop in temperature means your EV has to work a little harder, so making a few adjustments can go a long way toward keeping you safe and preserving range.

Here are five simple winter EV tips worth keeping in mind over the coming months.

1. Get Your EV Winter-Ready

A little preparation can make all the difference once the colder weather sets in. Start by giving your tyres a quick check, good tread depth and proper inflation are essential for grip on cold, damp roads. Try to keep your battery charge above 20%, as EVs don’t love running super low in winter conditions.

Preheating your cabin while the car is plugged in is a handy way to stay warm without wasting range. It’s also worth making sure your wipers are in good shape and topping up the washer fluid with a winter-friendly mix. And because winter charging can take longer, plan routes with reliable charging stops in mind.

2. Winter Tyres vs All-Season Tyres for Irish EV Drivers

Tyres play a huge role in how confident and stable your EV feels on the road. Winter tyres offer brilliant grip in freezing conditions thanks to their softer rubber and deep tread patterns. They’re especially useful for heavier EVs with high torque delivery.

That said, Irish winters usually hover above the temperatures where winter tyres truly shine. For most drivers here, a good all-season tyre is the ideal middle ground, offering solid grip year-round, without needing seasonal swaps. Choosing the right tyre type for your EV helps maintain efficiency, braking performance, and peace of mind during colder months.

3. Drive Smoothly to Protect Your Winter Range

Range tends to dip in cold weather, so adjusting your driving style can help stretch each charge further. Gentle acceleration and light braking reduce energy demand and help the battery stay efficient. Switching to eco mode is another easy win, limiting power output when you don’t need full performance.

If you can, warm the cabin while still plugged in so you’re not using battery power to heat up from cold. Heated seats and steering wheels use far less energy than blasting the climate system, so lean on those when possible. Slowing down slightly on the motorway also helps, high speeds are one of the biggest range drains in winter.

4. Smarter Charging During the Colder Months

Charging habits need a little tweaking when temperatures drop. If you’ve got access to indoor or sheltered charging, use it, keeping the battery out of the cold improves efficiency. Preconditioning before you unplug is another big win, as it warms the battery and helps it accept charge more quickly.

Try not to let your battery dip too low, as charging can slow down dramatically below 20%. If you’re heading out on a journey, charging right after a drive is ideal, the battery will already be warm, meaning faster speeds and less waiting around.

5. Be Mindful With Regenerative Braking on Slippery Roads

Regenerative braking is one of the best things about driving an EV, but it can behave differently in wintry conditions. On icy or very slick surfaces, the sudden slowing effect might unsettle the car, especially when cornering or going downhill.

Most EVs let you adjust how strong regen is, either through on-screen settings, steering-wheel paddles, or a button near the gear selector. Dropping it to a lower level (or switching it off entirely) can make the car feel more predictable on slippery roads. When in doubt, check your owner’s manual for guidance.

Wrapping Up

With a few simple tweaks, your EV will stay safe, smooth, and efficient right through the winter season. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll enjoy confident motoring until the warmer weather returns.

Safe travels from all of us here at Nevo!