Electrify Canada, an organization that promotes zero-emission vehicles, is offering cold weather electric vehicle charging tips.

The organization points out that charging in cold weather may take longer because lower temperatures affect a vehicle’s charging capacity. For that reason, new owners may need to adjust their normal charging routine and may need a bit of planning.

The organization offers five tips. They are:

1. Anticipate longer charging sessions – The vehicle controls the charging speeds, not the charger, and when temperatures are low, the vehicle’s software reduces its charging power.
2. Temperature changes may impact EV range – Check for overnight drops in temperature, as low temperatures can reduce an EV’s driving range. Some vehicles can predict range reductions during extreme temperatures and will adjust the console display.
3. Plan your charging session – Locate public charging stations ahead of time to avoid finding yourself with shortened range in relation to the nearest charging station.
4. Park indoors when you can – Consider parking indoors in extreme cold weather. Warmer indoor temperatures can help prevent slower charging speeds and preserve the charge for longer.
5. Utilize your EV’s cold weather features – Some EVs have a pre-conditioning feature that allows drivers to program or manually warm the battery to more optimal temperatures.

The organization provides various resources for EV drivers on its website.