[eloder]

Due to an extreme cold spell and a few other factors going on, I'm temporarily wintering my smart in my garage. However there was something in the manual that didn't seem quite right. (New 2017 ED)

With most EVs you're told not to keep them at 100% charge for an extended period of time. The smart manual however recommends keeping the vehicle plugged in for the entire extended park at cold temps.

I won't be reaching "dangerous" temperatures (below -13 F per the manual) in my area, but I'll probably keep it parked ~3-4 weeks total. Normally I just let the smart sit at ~50-80% charge and be sure to drive it once a week or so, when using my other car.

Should I be concerned? Is this one of those situations I shouldn't even be worried over because it'll be going back in three years anyways?

 

[jimsokoloff]

If it's going back in 3 years, I sure wouldn't worry a bit.

Put it in the garage, leave it plugged in, and don't worry about it...

 

[Yinzer]

The keeping it plugged in mostly applies for temperatures around -20C (-4F) or so. It is needed because the pack heater operates at this temperature. I'd do it below 10F to be safe. I keep my car in my lightly-heated garage where the temperatures don't go below 35F. So I don't keep it plugged in.

 

[MB DNA]

And, MY13-16 ED 451 battery technology (and winter experience) may not apply to the ALL-NEW MY17 ED 453?

Just another EV beta test with results in the spring ...

 

[radar231]

We had to do that for four months a few years ago. Got down to minus 17C while we were gone. Anyway. No adverse effects. After 3 years range hasn't changed.

 

[eloder]

We had to do that for four months a few years ago. Got down to minus 17C while we were gone. Anyway. No adverse effects. After 3 years range hasn't changed.

Thanks for the data point.

I'm erring on the side of caution with the manual but just wanted to be sure. Driving it around and plugging/unplugging occasionally would be a pain in the rear with my current situation.