EV in snow - how's it going?
Discussion
RizzoTheRat said:
How good is traction control on EV's? Presumably it should be able to achieve a much better level of control than an ICE can manage.
My PHEV on all seasons has been absolutely fine on EV mode in the paltry 1cm or so of snow we've had.
It depends.My PHEV on all seasons has been absolutely fine on EV mode in the paltry 1cm or so of snow we've had.
The Polestar twin-motor is really good; the i3S is rubbish.
Honda e on MPS4s, RWD, one button to turn the TC off, it's fun!
We put Conti All Seasons on the Polestar 2 when we had it, fully expecting them to be significantly noisier, and for them to dint the efficiency, but in all honesty the effects were negligible. I'll be doing the same when the tyres on the P4 need changing.
We put Conti All Seasons on the Polestar 2 when we had it, fully expecting them to be significantly noisier, and for them to dint the efficiency, but in all honesty the effects were negligible. I'll be doing the same when the tyres on the P4 need changing.
The ID.3 hasn't moved from the drive recently, so don't know. The dual motor Polestar has been great - our road is still completely frozen and slippery as hell, and on a slope. Goes up and down without any fuss. The four wheel drive is noticeably rear biased, and the stability control is more fun tolerant than I would have expected, which was a pleasant surprise. The way that the power is metered out makes it very controllable, and the way that the regen works makes controlling the speed downhill on ice very intuitive.
I find the traction control to be so much faster and more precise than in my previous 1 litre Fiesta; AWD has been rather impressive in snow mode when encountering either fresh or lightly packed snow.
If you mean the tyres - Bridgestone Turanza EV-specific tyres of some sort. Well, they perfectly good in the dry. In the wet, they're not bad for traction, but they don't inspire confidence at all in the corners in the wet - nor under braking. When they need replacing, I'll be sticking Michelin PS5 on, even if it does cost me approximately c.10% of range.
If you mean the tyres - Bridgestone Turanza EV-specific tyres of some sort. Well, they perfectly good in the dry. In the wet, they're not bad for traction, but they don't inspire confidence at all in the corners in the wet - nor under braking. When they need replacing, I'll be sticking Michelin PS5 on, even if it does cost me approximately c.10% of range.
SpeckledJim said:
When you say 'EV specific' do you mean tyres designed for low rolling resistance?
I mean tyres with “EV” in their name - the car came with “Nexen N Fera Sport EV” tyres, in 235/45R19 size.I’d read they were terrible but most comments related to Gen 1 Kona which was noted for having fairly brutal throttle response. The Gen 2 is much better calibrated.
Sheepshanks said:
SpeckledJim said:
When you say 'EV specific' do you mean tyres designed for low rolling resistance?
I mean tyres with EV in their name - the car came with Nexen N Fera Sport EV tyres, in 235/45R19 size.I d read they were terrible but most comments related to Gen 1 Kona which was noted for having fairly brutal throttle response. The Gen 2 is much better calibrated.
MG4XPower said:
I find the traction control to be so much faster and more precise than in my previous 1 litre Fiesta; AWD has been rather impressive in snow mode when encountering either fresh or lightly packed snow.
I did read one suggestion that if stuck on an uphill slope then bury the throttle and the traction control will get the car moving. Not tried that!RizzoTheRat said:
How good is traction control on EV's? Presumably it should be able to achieve a much better level of control than an ICE can manage.
I conducted an experiment with my old 2015 leaf. Not a fireball, but decent torque from standstill. Snow on the road, definitely difficult conditions. I pinned the throttle. The traction light came on, and the car pulled away in a straight line with zero effort.
I did not try it in the corners, and I was wary of regen (it wasn’t strong in the leaf).
EVs put down torque instantly, which is great until grip disappears. Stock tyres are usually optimised for efficiency and noise, not low-temp traction. Proper all-season or winter rubber changes the whole experience, especially with regen braking in slippery conditions. Snowless winters just hide the problem for a while.
Only about 1" of it around here, but compacted down and froze overnight on Saturday. I expected issues in my Honda eNy1 yesterday, being fwd, but it was fine. Leaving it in Eco, the power delivery is not fierce and the ABS didn't even kick in if I used regen and braked gently. 
I spent 35 yrs driving a car without any ABS so I'm perhaps being over-cautious but it's been fine.
I spent 35 yrs driving a car without any ABS so I'm perhaps being over-cautious but it's been fine.
geeks said:
or slide your Tesla down a hill with your foot stomped on the brake pedalhttps://x.com/Des_Tinney/status/135889135908888166...
Sometimes the driver doesn't help. Car probably though it was stationary as the wheels are all locked up.
As for EV's in snow, Norweigans seem to manage pretty well for the most part.
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