Does Extreme Summer Heat Drain Your EV Battery? 5 Maintenance Hacks for First-Time Electric Car Owners

If you live in areas where temperatures often exceed 40C, first time EV users are sometimes surprised to find that their range has decreased as a result of heat conditions. Many also worry that heat might be damaging their EV’s battery. Modern EV’s come with battery management systems but extremely high summer temperatures will affect how batteries perform, how well they charge, as well as the long term health of a battery.

1. Avoid Charging During Peak Afternoon Heat

Charging batteries creates heat inside the battery pack. Avoid charging during peak afternoon heat (e.g., 4pm to 6pm, unless absolutely necessary) by charging before work commences or after work finishes; doing so will reduce battery heating effects.

2. Park in the Shade

The amount of heat generated by sunshine or other sources can contribute greatly to rising the cabin or battery temperatures, therefore it’s always best practice when possible to park your vehicle someplace like under a covered area or use some sort of shade to help keep your EV battery and EV systematic in good working order (as they have a cooling unit to keep your battery(s) as cool as possible).

3. Avoid Keeping the Battery at 100% for Long Periods

Some manufacturers recommend regular daily use with battery levels at or between 20%-80%, all the time. Storing your EV continuously charged at or near to 100% from time to time, will cause your batteries to be stressed.

4. Pre-Cool the Cabin While Plugged In

Many new electric vehicles allow pre-cooling of the cabin remotely from a compatible mobile app. Use of preconditioning functions with EVs reduces depletion of the battery once the vehicle begins its drive; considering that the air conditioning will be on when the vehicle acquires movement will greatly reduce the drain on the EV battery.

5. Monitor Battery Health and Software Updates

Periodic software updates are typically put out by manufacturers that can help with improving battery thermal management and charging performance; ensuring that you are keeping your EV up to date would be the best means that you have available to help your EV battery’s life and performance.

Final Words

As first-time electric vehicle (EV) owners, you can get the most out of your EV battery and maximize your driving range on hot summer days by charging during cooler hours, parking your EV in the shade, avoiding continuous full charging, or utilizing your EV’s smart cooling features.

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