Jeep 4xe Cold Weather Tips

Like traditional vehicles with internal combustion engines, electric vehicles have an ideal operating temperature. Driving your Jeep 4xe when the battery is warmed up affords you a longer driving range by holding its charge longer. This is because the battery doesn’t have to use its charge to warm up and power the wheels at the same time. To warm up your Jeep 4xe, leave it plugged into the charger and turn the vehicle on. By leaving it plugged in, you are using power from the external power source to warm it up, rather than the battery. At this time, you should also turn on the heat and heated seats (if equipped) so that the cabin is at a comfortable temperature when you leave.

While you can absolutely enjoy your Jeep 4xe throughout the winter months, some drivers choose to store their EVs during the cold season and opt for a secondary gas-powered vehicle.  If you choose to do this with your Jeep 4xe, you must take a few measures to keep its battery in good health while not in use. Above all, you should ensure that, before storing your vehicle, its battery has at least a 70% charge. This will help prevent the cells from getting too cold while in storage, which can cause damage and lead to decreased range and battery life. Conversely, if you make the more common choice to drive your 4xe during the winter months, it is strongly recommended to keep your battery at or above 20% at all times and maintain at least roughly a half-tank of gas. This brings two benefits. First, it will prevent the battery from getting too cold. Second, it will ensure that you can stay comfortable in the event that the vehicle gets stuck.

When you own an EV, you’ll find that it’s important to plan ahead when it comes to charging it. For example, if you plan on taking a long trip, charging it to 100% beforehand is likely in your best interest. But if you only plan on driving short distances, keeping it in the 75% range is plenty. It’s important to note that not charging your EV to 100% each time can help extend its life, as overcharging can damage the cells over time. The Uconnect app allows you to monitor your 4xe’s charging status so you can decide when to stop charging it to prevent overcharging. It is important for us to note that charging times can take longer in cold weather, so be sure to leave a little extra charging time.

As was mentioned earlier, EVs use a lithium-ion battery. While these provide efficient power for electric vehicles, extreme temperatures – both hot and cold – can be harmful. Many EV manufacturers have found ways to circumvent this, but it is important for owners to do their part as well. While the vehicle is shut off, you should keep it in a place where it will be kept warm. The best-case option is to park it in a climate-controlled garage. However, if this is not an option for you, park it in a place that gets plenty of sunlight to keep its temperature up.

While it can feel like owning an EV comes with a lot to remember, Susquehanna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is here to help! If you have any further questions regarding the care of your Jeep 4xe and its battery this winter, please refer to the contact form below this page to reach our knowledgeable sales team. If your Jeep 4xe needs servicing, the service center here at Susquehanna CDJR can help. If you’re still in the market for a new 4xe model, you can browse an array of Wrangler and Grand Cherokee 4xe models while you’re here on our website. We look forward to working with you!