Why Your EV Is Charging Too Slowly: 3 Best (And Worst) Times to Plug In During a Summer Heatwave

If you’ve observed that your electric vehicle has longer charging times since the summer heat wave occurred recently, don’t assume it’s your imagination. Battery performance can be impacted by high temperatures which can lead many electric vehicles (EVs) to automatically limit the rate of charge to avoid the battery from overheating.

Best Times to Charge Your EV

1. Early Morning (5 AM – 8 AM)

This is often the coolest point of the day and lower ambient air temperatures will allow the battery to remain within its optimal operating range, thus providing for a better and faster charge.

2. Late Evening (After 8 PM)

Because ambient air temperatures drop following sunset, your EV’s battery will be naturally cool. Charging at night also avoids the more intense daytime heat.

3. In a Covered or Shaded Parking Space

Even during daylight hours, charging in a garage or under shade will keep the battery cooler than charging in direct sunlight.

Worst Times to Charge

1. Mid-day (12 PM – 4 PM)

This is typically the warmest part of the day and high battery temperatures may cause slower charging speeds because the vehicle’s thermal management system is working to keep the battery from overheating.

2. Immediately After Long Driving

Because the battery has been warmed as a result of driving, if you plug in immediately upon completing a long trip, it may take longer to charge until the battery cools down.

3. In Direct Sunlight

Charging right in strong sunlight will create excessive heat on the battery and therefore, may be the worst time to charge as well as take the longest to recharge due to excessive heat.

Conclusion

Charging an electric vehicle in hot weather is often designed with safety in mind due to heat and the resulting longis process of charging. The best way to get the most benefits from charging during hot weather is to wait until it’s cooler to charge and use shaded areas when possible.

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