All the information you need to keep yourself and your electric vehicle cool this summer; from useful tips on long journeys to battery care best practices.

Battling British Summers with an Electric Vehicle (EV)

The hot weather that we expect from British summers can seriously impact the way that your EV functions, and it’s important to remember at this time of year that your EV does not behave the same way as an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, especially when it comes to regulating temperature.

The core difference between your EV and an ICE vehicle is that an EV relies on one battery to power everything, and with battery efficiency running far lower in the heat, it is important to consider what you are putting that power into.

Battery Care in Hot Weather

When your EV experiences high temperatures, depending on the model, it will use either coolant or the air conditioning system to maintain its optimal battery temperature in order to prevent overheating. This same coolant is used in your air con. An EV’s air conditioning will therefore see more use than in an ICE vehicle, just to keep it operating at the same level.

It will come as no surprise that driving whilst the weather is hot will reduced your EV’s range, and you will find your battery running out sooner. You therefore need to try to use your battery efficiently so that you aren’t caught short on a long drive, or (in extreme circumstances) forced to decide between using your air con or making it to your destination.

One of the ways to help boost your battery’s longevity is to avoid charging it when it’s already hot. Charging in high temperatures will be worse for your battery, and you should opt for charging early in the day, or over-night where possible. Most EV’s come with pre-conditions that will allow you to choose how much you want to charge your car overnight so that you aren’t wasting energy.

Common Pitfalls in the Summer

It can be tempting to deliberately charge your battery up to 100% when you are expecting to drive in hot conditions because you know that your vehicle will go through its battery sooner, but this comes with its own issues. Over-charging your EV can cause the battery to over-heat, which will then trigger your internal cooling systems to switch on and maintain optimal battery temperatures and, before you know it, you have spent more battery to prevent over-heating damage than you would have saved by over-charging it.

Most EVs will cap the battery at 80% and it’s best to stick to this upper limit unless you are planning on taking a long journey where you may have limited access to charging stations.

Planning for Long Journeys

It’s become increasingly popular to have family holidays in the UK instead of abroad. It’s no small feat to get your kids from Stockport to Devon in one day’s drive and, in the summer heat, there are some things that you should consider for your electric vehicle when you’re planning your journey.

As we’ve already covered, Electric Vehicles go through battery life more quickly when the weather is hot, but it’s also worth noting that the battery will also go down quicker when you’re driving at high speeds for extended periods of time. Unlike an ICE vehicle (which has a better fuel economy on motorways than main roads), your EV will actually use more battery on a motorway to maintain your speed than it would for stopping and starting for red lights. You therefore need to plan your journey around the battery and make sure to take breaks around every three hours to re-charge your battery – and stretch your legs. Take care to park in shaded areas during these stops so that your car doesn’t get too hot.

The last (and most obvious) tip for long journeys in hot weather is to start the day earlier. Get up before the sun does and you might find yourself most of the way to your destination before the hottest part of the day. This means less time spent driving in the heat, and more time to enjoy the day once you reach your destination.

Perks of Preconditioning

When you step into a hot car, the temptation is to blast the air con so that your car cools down as fast as possible, but this uses more battery than slowly cooling down your car, and reduces driving range.

If the idea of sitting in a hot car without the fans blowing doesn’t appeal to you, it’s worth remembering that most EVs come with preconditioning features that allow you to set your air con to turn on for specific times, so it’s already cooled when you get in. A big bonus of this is that preconditioning happens whilst your EV is still connecting to a charging station, so you can still start your journey on a full charge.

General Maintenance For Your Electric Vehicle

Now that you’re all set with how to keep your car cooler for longer, avoid driving in peak hot times, and maintain a good battery level, it’s a good time to check in with your electric vehicle on a more general scale. Summer has just started and we have already been hit with very inconsistent weather – heat waves some days and downpours on others – but the best way to set yourself up for success with your EV is to have it regularly serviced. Preventative care is always best, so get yourself down to a garage and have your EV properly checked to make sure that it is running smoothly and efficiently, and that there is nothing else going on inside your car that could put a stop to your plans, especially if you’re planning a long drive this summer.

For more information or to book your appointment, call 0161 477 6266, email info@delany-motors.co.uk or book online.