EV Range Dropping in the June Heatwave? 5 Critical Mistakes Damaging Your Electric Car Battery Right Now
As temperatures continue to rise across India during June and many people who own electric vehicles are seeing a repeat of the same result, loss of driving range. Many modern electric vehicles are designed to operate in extreme climate conditions like high temperatures but, however, even the most modern electric vehicle will still be affected by extreme high temperatures, both in terms of energy consumption and battery efficiency.
Here are five mistakes that most electric vehicle owners can and should avoid while operating in high-temperature summer months.
1) Fast-charging during peak afternoon heat
When possible, one should charge during the following times of day:
– Early morning
– Late evening
– Overnight
2) Parking in direct sunlight for extended periods (hours)
Modern electric vehicles do have thermal protection systems to help protect them from prolonged thermal exposure, but extreme prolonged heat exposure may cause an increase in battery cooling demands, a decrease in efficiency, a decrease in charging performance and an increase in the time needed for charging.
3) Driving aggressively with heavy use of the air conditioning
Battery cooling systems consume energy and for added cabin cooling there is also additional energy usage. Aggressive driving habits lead to high energy usage.
4) Keeping the battery at 100% all of the time
Many electric vehicle owners charge to 100% on a daily basis to maximize available range. However, keeping a fully charged battery in extreme heat creates long-term stress on the battery due to excessive temperature.
5) Ignoring battery temperature warnings
Electric vehicle drivers should never ignore high battery temperature warning notifications, slow charging notifications, thermal management notifications and the notifications that reflect reduced charging performance.
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Final Words
If you are using your EV for a long time this year (as many are), it is normal for the range to decrease due to excessive heat; however, bad driving habits and/or charging habits may greatly improve this issue. If you can limit your exposure to the sun by accessing a cooler area, or by charging your batteries when you are not using them, as well as limiting how long your batteries are allowed to warm above their temperature thresholds, you will be on the right track to preserving your range and battery life for the long run!
FAQs
Is it common for EV batteries to lose their range during a heat wave?
Yes. Using battery cooling and air conditioning will increase how much energy is consumed by your batteries.
Should I avoid using fast charging in the summer months?
Using fast chargers is generally safe; however, charging your vehicle during cooler times will reduce battery thermal stress.
Does parking in the direct sun for extended periods cause damage to EV batteries?
Some control systems designed to prevent damage will shut down when exposed to excessive temperatures; however, excessive exposure on occasion may be acceptable, while long-term exposure to extreme heat will create additional stress on the battery.
Is it harmful to charge my batteries to 100% every day?
Many car manufacturers recommend that users avoid charging their batteries to 100% continuallly unless maximum range is your objective.
