Winter driving

In hindsight I should have said I turn on winter mode only when ambient temperatures drop to -10 C (14 F) or colder.
For more details on this poorly explained (by Hyundai) function, please see the following posting from "nzkiwi68":
https://www.insideevsforum.com/community/index.php?threads/kona-ev-winter-mode-defined-and-condensed.7977/ "Kona EV "Winter Mode" - defined and condensed"
Scrolling down within the above INSIDEEVs thread, note the embedded YT video link to "'Winter mode' in the Kona Electric. Restricted power mode 35KW (47bhp)" by Nigel of "The EV Puzzle" (9:07)
I had found Nigel's helpful explanation of "Winter Mode" several years ago; this was my main reason for following the suggested -10 C (or colder) guideline.

In the interests of power consumption efficiencies, wouldn't it be helpful if Hyundai offered guidance in terms of the temperature threshold for "Winter Mode" engagement; to prevent unnecessary main battery power loss to the main battery warming device? For example, why wouldn't winter mode turn on/off automatically, based on ambient temperature?

BTW, although I wasn't able to get advice on Winter Mode from my dealership several years ago . . . I just spoke with a young service person at Kelowna Hyundai (my dealership in nearby Kelowna, BC Canada). He said that based on his training from Hyundai, he advises turning on Winter Mode as soon as ambient temperatures drop to +5 C (41 F) or colder. He said the battery management system would heat the battery if you neglected to turn on Winter Mode. . . but that would be less efficient in terms of power consumption than simply having Winter Mode turned on!
I asked if he had any documentation from Hyundai to back that advice up. He said he didn't.

 

Thanks. That was very informative.

 

After experiencing some more in snowy conditions, I have a feeling the Kona is effectively braking the spinning wheel in an attempt to transfer torque to the one that still has some grip. I base this conclusion on the clicking noises I hear when traction came on during my last drives, which is the same as when ABS is kicking in. However, the car does seems to be very prone at reducing the power too, but only when both wheels are slipping. Still, it is very handy to have the capability to disable TC by a quick push of a button.

Skid control seems to be working fine too, by braking the inner wheels when it detects the steer angle of the front wheels does not match the acceleration vector of the car. Had some fun in a parking lot testing this. Pretty efficient.


Sent from my iPhone using Inside EVs

 

I'm in New York City, where we haven't had much snow, but we have had bitter cold, as low as the teens in Fahrenheit. It's been an interesting experience; the car has been fine (though with significantly diminished range) but charging it on DC Fast Chargers has been more challenging than usual, with slow speeds, stiff cables, freezing handles, and long minutes spent standing in the bitter cold waiting for chargers to activate.

 

Since we have had our 23 Kona (Aug 24 2022) we have only had one really cold winter driving experience - 450km trip to Georgian Bay area to visit family in Dec 2022.
Saw -14C and recent snowfall with blowing snow. Car handled it beautifully, Michelin ICE X tires and no real traction issues.
Totally agree though that the torque this car has easily overpowers the traction available so driving technique has to be adjusted accordingly and being able to shut down traction control is great. Also regen set to minimum or even off in really slippery conditions.
Our GOM rated range was down to 330km on an 80% SOC and then we watched it drop pretty quickly but no big deal as I had planned for that so no anxiety. DCFC in London at Electrify Canada never got above about 55kw but I was pretty happy with that.
Other than that our cold weather/winter is not bad living in the furthest point south in Canada it never really gets horrible here...this winter especially. Pretty mild...so far! We generally charge to 100% on our Level 2 EVSE at home and get a solid 380 - 395 KM winter range(max in warm weather is 505km) which works out well for my wife's commute of 105km round trip per day. My work commute is about 50' out to my workshop without spilling a drop of my coffee!
Anyway...Happy New to everyone.
Mike