Tips for Driving your Rivian in Cold Weather

As a Floridian, my expertise in snow and cold weather driving is about as deep as a puddle during a light rainstorm. But fear not—I’ve done my homework and reached out to people who actually live in snowy climates (you know, the folks who consider a “dusting” to mean six inches of snow). With their insights and some solid EV facts, here are practical tips for navigating winter weather in an electric vehicle:

Maximizing Range and Efficiency

• Precondition Your Battery via Navigation: While Rivian doesn’t allow for manual battery preconditioning, you can set the navigation to a charger near your destination. This triggers automatic preconditioning, warming the battery for optimal efficiency and charging performance.
• Use Seat and Steering Wheel Heaters: These are more energy-efficient than cabin heaters, providing comfort without excessive drain on the battery.
• Drive Smoothly: Cold weather can increase rolling resistance and affect regenerative braking efficiency. Accelerate and decelerate gently to conserve energy.

Charging Considerations

• Plan for Longer Charging Times: Batteries charge slower in cold temperatures, especially at fast-charging stations. Budget extra time for charging sessions.
• Park in Warmer Areas When Possible: Charging in a garage or other sheltered location can improve charging speed and preserve range.
• Avoid Letting the Battery Run Too Low: Keeping the battery charge above 20% prevents it from cooling excessively, affecting performance and longevity.

Winter Driving Adjustments

• Use Snow Mode: Rivian’s Snow mode optimizes power delivery and traction for slippery conditions, making it ideal for driving in snow and ice. This mode adjusts the power output and throttle response to provide better stability and control in winter weather.
• Check Tire Pressure: Cold air contracts, reducing tire pressure, which can decrease range and affect handling. Keep tires properly inflated.
• Monitor Regenerative Braking Settings: Regenerative braking may behave differently in cold weather. Adjust settings as needed for smooth operation.

Long-Term Maintenance

• Keep Software Updated: Manufacturers often release updates to improve EV performance in extreme temperatures.
• Inspect Battery Health Regularly: Cold weather stress can impact battery longevity. Regular diagnostics can help monitor its condition.
• Clean Your EV Regularly: Salt and debris from winter roads can affect brakes, wheels, and undercarriage components.

Safety Tips

• Pack Winter Essentials: Carry items like an ice scraper, blanket, and portable charger in case of emergencies.
• Watch for Reduced Traction: Cold weather can affect road conditions. Use winter tires for better handling and safety.
• Be Aware of Reduced Range: Cold weather can decrease range by up to 30% or more, depending on the temperature. Plan trips accordingly to avoid range anxiety.
• Consider an Alternate Vehicle in Heavy Snow: If you have access to another vehicle, like a Jeep or similar, it might be worth using it in heavy snow—not because Rivians aren’t incredible in the snow (they are), but because not everyone on the road is. Repairs on a Rivian can take time, so it’s smarter to let other drivers’ mistakes hit a vehicle that’s easier to fix.

With these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle winter weather in your Rivian—whether you’re navigating a snow-covered wonderland or just enjoying the chilly thrill of driving in a sweater.