Summer heat can affect the performance of electric cars, but knowing how to manage it can keep your vehicle running efficiently. With a few simple tips, you can ensure excellent performance and range even on the hottest days. In this article, we’ll explore how high temperatures affect electric car batteries and provide practical advice to optimize your driving experience during the summer months.
How heat affects electric car batteries
First, it’s important to understand how heat affects electric car batteries. Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in electric vehicles, are sensitive to extreme temperatures. When it gets very hot, the internal chemistry of the batteries can change, reducing efficiency. If the temperature management systems are not functioning properly and the battery overheats, accelerated battery degradation can occur.
Impact of heat on range
Electric car batteries are designed to operate within a wide temperature range to meet the needs of most drivers. However, in extreme hot or cold conditions, the car’s range can decrease. In the heat, the battery’s thermal management system works harder to maintain the optimal temperature, using some of the stored energy.
This phenomenon is particularly noticeable on the hottest days, above 35°C. At this temperature, the range reduction is around 10%. There’s no need to worry excessively, as this is only a temporary reduction. When temperatures return to more pleasant levels, everything will be back to normal.
Additionally, many of the latest vehicles are equipped with heat pumps, which are used both for battery thermal management and for heating/cooling the cabin. The introduction of the heat pump has significantly increased system efficiency.
How heat affects performance
In addition to reducing range, heat can also affect other aspects:
Charging power reduction: To prevent overheating, the battery management system may automatically reduce the charging power in high temperatures, consequently extending charging times. Moreover, the battery’s thermal management system has to work harder to keep it within a safe temperature range. This can slow down the charging process, as some of the energy is used for cooling.
Another aspect of high temperatures affects all types of cars: tire pressure. It’s crucial to regularly monitor tire pressure in summer, as correct pressure is essential for maintaining the vehicle’s energy efficiency, ensuring the best road grip, and optimizing tire lifespan.
Tips to optimize range in summer
Despite the challenges posed by the heat, there are several strategies that electric car owners can adopt to optimize range and performance during summer:
- Park in the shade: Whenever possible, park your car in the shade or in a garage. This helps keep the interior temperature lower, reducing the need to use the air conditioner.
- Use pre-conditioning: Use the car’s air conditioning system while it is still connected to the power grid to cool the cabin before starting your trip. This way, the energy for cooling comes from the grid and not from the battery.
- Reduce load: Avoid carrying unnecessary loads. Extra weight requires more energy to move the vehicle, reducing range.
- Drive efficiently: Avoid sudden accelerations and braking. Maintaining a steady speed can help save energy.
- Plan trips: If possible, plan your trips during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening, to avoid peak heat.
Maintaining the efficiency of an electric car in summer is really simple. Understanding how heat affects the battery allows you to manage the vehicle better, ensuring smooth journeys and optimal performance. Enjoy the summer and every kilometer behind the wheel of your electric car!
