How Does Heat Impact Electrical Vehicle Performance?
When the sun blazes overhead and the days get longer, it might seem like the perfect time to take out your electric vehicle (EV) for a spin. The sunshine, balmy weather, and long days seem tailor-made for outdoor activities‒how better to enjoy all that than in your electric car?
Before you back out the driveway though, you might want to think about how the heat will affect your car. For all their benefits, EVs are a bit more sensitive to temperature extremes than fuel-driven vehicles. As such, operating them in the heat requires more care and consideration and coverage from Santa Fe Car Insurance.
The good news is that there are ways to prevent the heat from getting the best of you and your vehicle. Read on to find out how heat affects EVs and how you can reduce the risk of damage and ensure optimum performance.
Heat and operating range
It might surprise you to know that scorching weather can drastically reduce an electric vehicle’s driving range. A study conducted by the American Automobile Association revealed that temperatures of 95° F could shorten your car’s operating distance by as much as 17%. Using air conditioning only makes it worse, although, of course, you don’t have much choice when driving in such conditions.
There are exceptions, though. For example, after the results of AAA’s study were released, a spokesperson for Tesla announced that none of the company’s models were likely to be affected by temperatures extremes, at least not to that degree.
Still, owners of most other car brands will have to take precautions to compensate for the reduced driving range in hot weather. For one thing, they will have to keep an eye on the odometer to know when it is almost time to plug in. They will also have to charge their vehicles more frequently, thereby adding to the operating costs.
Of course, there are also ways to get more range out of your vehicle in hot weather, including keeping the air conditioning and other non-essential ‘smart’ features off.
It would also be best to use the car’s energy-saving features and minimize baggage and passenger weight. Maintaining driving speed and avoiding excessive acceleration and braking will also help extend the driving range you can get from your vehicle.
How heat affects your car battery’s life
As you may already know, heat can also affect your battery’s life significantly. Like any other type of battery, EV car batteries lose their charge over time. But constant and prolonged exposure to heat can speed up the process, reducing the usable life of your battery considerably.
Geotab conducted a study that measured the battery life of more than 6,000 EVs. The company found that vehicles frequently used in hot weather had much shorter lives than those used in more temperate conditions. The study also showed that batteries lost their power even faster when direct-current fast chargers (DCFCs) were used in hot weather.
The reason for this is simple. Rapid chargers speed up the flow of electrical currents, which increases batteries’ internal temperatures. Used in hot weather, the wear on the battery becomes even more pronounced. For this reason, Geotab recommends using lower-power chargers to preserve battery life, particularly in hot weather.
You could also reduce battery wear and tear by cooling your car’s interior while keeping it plugged into the charger. This has the added advantage of making it more comfortable before you get in.
Keeping your tires in good condition in hot weather
High temperatures can also affect the condition of your tires. These are especially prone to overheating when they aren’t inflated properly, sometimes even blowing up. And, as most experienced drivers know, underinflated tires can impair driving efficiency.
Make a habit of using tire pressure gauges to check the air in your tires. Keep them inflated according to the manufacturer’s specifications, which you can find in the owner’s manual.
Safe storage tips
Finally, give some thought to where and how you park your car when you don’t use it for long periods. If possible, keep it in your garage or a shaded part of your property. If no such space is available, consider using car covers or sunscreens to block out most of the sun’s light.
You might also want to keep your EV plugged into the charger while parked. Most EVs have climate control features that will keep your car battery cool and extend its usable life.
These are some of the most effective ways to care for your electric vehicle and prevent long- and short-term damage to its components. Keep your car protected from temperature extremes, and it will provide reliable service for many years to come.
About Daniels Insurance, Inc.
At Daniels Insurance, Inc., we have a unique understanding of the risks that businesses like yours face on a regular basis. With the backing of our comprehensive coverages and our dedication to customer service and quick claims resolution, your business will be fully protected. For more information, contact us today at (855) 565-7616.