If you're getting ready to face your first winter behind the wheel of a hybrid or electric vehicle, a few practical tips may come in handy. It's important to use your vehicle efficiently and take advantage of the technology available to reduce the inconvenience of cold weather.
An efficient four-wheel drive system
Most of Toyota's hybrid and electric vehicles now offer four-wheel drive. Experience has shown us that an efficient four-wheel drive system is a real asset in winter. Optimizing a vehicle's traction allows us to get it out of a snow bank with ease, or prevent it from getting stuck on a patch of ice.
The Toyota bZ4X can be ordered with either front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. In the latter case, you benefit from two electric motors. The X-Mode function allows you to get out of a tight spot. Let's not forget that the designers positioned the battery flat under the floor to lower the center of gravity and optimize the vehicle's performance.
Originally designed as a front-wheel-drive vehicle, the Toyota Prius has evolved considerably since its introduction at the turn of the millennium. It now comes with four-wheel drive as standard in Canada, making it all the more interesting. At the rear, an internal permanent-magnet electric motor activates the rear wheels.
Slightly reduced autonomy
Over the next few weeks, you may be surprised by the drop in electric range of a plug-in hybrid or 100% electric vehicle when the mercury falls below zero. In the case of an electric vehicle, we estimate the loss of range at around 30 to 40%, depending on the type of vehicle and the temperature. For example, a vehicle capable of covering 350 kilometers in summer will be able to cover around 210 kilometers in winter. So don't hesitate to plan your journeys and trips to take account of the reduced range you'll experience over the coming months.
Depending on your vehicle, you may be able to preheat your vehicle's battery ahead of time. This will reduce the impact of cold weather on the range of your Toyota electric vehicle.
Winter tires designed for electric vehicles
Like gasoline-powered vehicles, hybrid and electric vehicles must be fitted with winter tires in winter. In fact, as soon as the temperature drops below 7°C, it's advisable to fit your vehicle with winter tires. Some manufacturers have designed tires specifically for electric vehicles. They aim to achieve the perfect balance between optimum grip and low rolling resistance, so as not to unduly affect range.
Long live the remote starter
Like many other car manufacturers, Toyota offers a cell phone application that brings together a host of useful functions. One of these is the remote starter. Using Toyota's application, you can start your vehicle's engine and make sure the temperature isn't freezing when you climb aboard.
With the help of these tips and tricks, you should be ready to face winter behind the wheel of your Toyota hybrid or electric vehicle.
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