Summer weather can impact the performance of electric vehicles (EVs), which is why it’s important to follow some tips to maintain battery performance, protect the interior, and ensure a safe and efficient driving experience. Here are some expert tips to make the most of your hot weather EV driving.
Pro Tips for Hot Weather EV Driving
1. Avoid fast charging
Fast charging or rapid charging can lead to heating up of the battery. This happens because as more electric current flows through the battery more power gets generated inside the battery. This gives more load to the battery cooling system that it can affect the range of the battery. So it is advisable to prefer slow charging or overnight charging during summer season.
2. Monitor battery temperature frequently
Make sure to frequently check the battery temperature, especially during long drives in hot weather. If the temperature goes beyond the manufacturer’s recommended level, it can impact the battery’s performance and lifespan. Temperature significantly impacts Li-ion battery degradation. This is crucial as temperature affects the speed and efficiency of chemical reactions within the battery.
3. Reduce battery drain
During hot weather, limit battery drain and heat production by not using energy-intensive features like air conditioning, heated seats, or fast charging during the hottest hours. You should also avoid excessive heavy loads during trips this may give extra work on the battery.
4. Find cooler areas to park
Prevent direct sunlight exposure. Parking your electric vehicle in direct sunlight can raise the temperature of the interior and battery, leading to decreased battery range and performance. To minimize this, park in shade or cover the windows with a sunshade. This also helps in the natural cooling of the battery and reduces the load on battery cooling system.
5. Try to drive during cooler hours of the day
If you plan your trips before hand during the cooler hours of the day, you can save your electric vehicle’s energy. Probably the time between 12 pm and 3 pm are usually the hottest hours of the day so try to avoid drives during this time period. This helps in reducing the overheating of your battery.
6. Use seat covers and sun blocking window tints
Protect car interior with seat covers. Seat covers not only keep the interior cool, but also shield it from sun damage, preserving the car’s upholstery. Installing sun-blocking window tint can effectively reduce the amount of heat entering the car, thereby keeping the interior cool and improving battery performance. Sun-blocking window tint can enhance driving comfort and battery efficiency in hot weather conditions.
7. Keep the windows closed
By keeping the windows closed while driving, the interior of the car is maintained at a cooler temperature, reducing the need for the air conditioning system to work harder. By doing so, the air conditioning system can more effectively regulate the temperature inside the car and maintain a comfortable driving environment. Additionally, keeping windows closed can also prevent hot air from entering the car and affecting the battery’s range and performance.
8. Drive efficiently
To ensure maximum battery efficiency and minimize battery drain and heat generation, it’s crucial to adopt a smooth driving style. Avoiding rapid acceleration and hard braking can not only help extend the battery’s range but also reduce the amount of stress on the battery, which can generate heat. In this way you can enjoy a cooler, more efficient driving experience while minimizing the risk of battery-related problems in hot weather conditions.
