It's no unknown phenomenon, batteries performing less well in hot temperatures. This applies to your smartphone and therefore also to your electric car. The range of your EV may change if you drive in the hot summer months, which is why it is important to pay extra attention to the following points.
What is the impact of heat on my electric car?
High temperatures can reduce your electric car's range. In warmer temperatures, your EV's battery has to work harder to keep cool. As a result, you won't be able to travel as far as normal after a full charge. The power source of your electric car is the lithium-ion battery, and when it is exposed to higher temperatures, there is a risk of overheating. If your battery gets too hot, its chemistry can be affected, causing your EV to lose some of its charging capacity. So it is important to protect your EV from too hot temperatures.
What temperature is too hot for my electric car?
The ideal temperature for an EV's battery is between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius.
☀️From 30 degrees, you will start to notice a slightly reduced performance in terms of range, but the battery will not suffer any damage.
☀️However, from 50 degrees, the battery can suffer damage, so you should try to avoid this at all times.
How do I protect my electric car from heat and maximise its range?
Smart parking 🅿️
Parking your electric car in the shade can significantly reduce the temperature of your car, protecting the battery and electronics. Always choose parking spaces under trees, underground or covered car parks. If you have no choice but to park your EV in the sun, it is best to use a sunshade or awning net.
Optimise your air conditioning ❄️
Using air conditioning may increase battery consumption, though studies show the impact is relatively minor. Set the temperature to a moderate level — a large gap with the outside temperature can reduce your car’s range. Use your car’s smart features, like “Eco” mode or “Cabin Overheat Protection”. Many modern EVs also allow you to pre-cool the interior using an app.
Limit fast charging (DC)🔌
While convenient, fast charging generates extra heat and can negatively affect the battery if done frequently. Prefer AC charging (up to 22 kW) and only use DC fast charging when truly needed — for instance, during long trips. Also, avoid charging above 80% as the battery must work harder from that point on, making the last 20% take significantly longer.
Don’t let your battery hit 0%!
Never let your EV battery drop to 0% — it’s very harmful to the lithium-ion cells. Monitor your charge level carefully and recharge in time. We strongly recommend looking for a charger when your battery reaches 20%. If you’re going on a trip, plan your route and identify charging options along the way to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Avoid loading your car too heavily 🚗
It is good to keep in mind that the more stuff and the heavier the load on your electric car, the less efficient your car's battery will be. So try to keep the load lighter in summer.
Tips for travelling with your EV this summer
Here are several tips in case you're planning on going on holiday with your EV this summer:
Plan your route and map out public charging stations ahead of time.
Using a charging card from your employer? Check your car policy to see if it can be used abroad. A lot of public charging stations also accept bank or credit cards these days.
Check which operators accept your card (Verify where the Pluginvest charge card works in Europe here).
Always verify the charging rates of the provider before starting a charging session, to avoid unexpected costs.
Save time by only charging up to 80%, since the last 20% takes much longer.
Follow all the other tips mentioned above to get the most range from your EV.
Remember that high temperatures can affect your EV battery and reduce its range. So take these tips with you when travelling with your electric car! By following these simple tips, you can protect your electric car and make sure you get the most out of every drive, even on the hottest summer days.
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