Summertime is always associated with holidays, tourism, and enjoying the stay in various destinations, but it is not entirely helpful for residents and owners of electric vehicle battery (EVs). High temperature tends to hurt battery charge which in turn impacts the pace at which the car operates, as well as its durability, leading to battery degradation.
But don’t worry! In this article, you can find some ideas on the ways with the help of which you can look after the battery of your car in summer and provision for the continuous excellent functioning of the vehicle.
Some such tips today we will share with you, because of which you can keep your car battery cool during summer as well. To save fuel, one needs to park the car in the shade, use pre-cooling, change the driving behaviour, and perform usual car care – all these steps are the key. Therefore, by taking these tips seriously, you will travel easily during the summer!
The Effects of Heat on EV Battery
Electric vehicles (EVs) have batteries that are primarily lithium-ion, and those cannot handle heat well. Even though they are made to operate over a broad temperature spectrum, heat is detrimental to them.
- Quick deterioration: When exposed to high heat for a long time, the chemical reactions inside the electric car battery health check work faster, thus reducing the battery’s lifespan and efficiency.
- Low running speed: Because of the heat the Electric Vehicle Battery power can be lost rapidly, and as a result, the car will move less.
- Slow charging: During high temperatures, the charging time will be longer and the battery may also heat up while charging.
To avoid all these problems, there are some habits that you should embrace that can help to minimize the impact of heat. After this, we shall give you tips that will help you take care of your Electric Vehicle Battery during the summer months.
Summer Tips for Electric Vehicle Battery Health
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Park in the Shade
It is one of the simplest ways to prevent your Electric Vehicle Battery from getting too hot and thus has been the most efficient way. This prevents its exposure to the sun producing heat, thereby lowering the internal temperature of the car and improving the conditions of the battery.
Here are some tips for parking your car in the shade:
- Find covered parking: In any case, take a parking garage or any other roofed structure if possible.
- Use a Sunshade: If you cannot have a shadow, then the best thing is to put sunshades in your car’s windscreen and windows so that the interior temperature remains low.
- Home Remedies: Another improvement that may be done at home involves the construction of a carport or garage to shield the car from the scorching sun.
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Heat protection: Keep your battery cool
Contemporary Electric Vehicle Battery (EVs) possess one special feature which is known as the pre-cooling option. This cools down both the Electric Vehicle Battery and the interior of the car before actually starting on a journey or trip. This is very useful, especially if you currently live in summer and want to be informed about the weather.
How to use pre-cooling:
- Set a Timer: On many vehicles, pre-cooling can be scheduled to turn on with the help of a mobile app timer. You should set it to begin a couple of minutes before you emerge from the vehicle.
- Use While Charging: Employ pre-cooling when charging the vehicle. It will cause the cooling system to draw power from the charging point instead of the battery of the car.
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Avoid Rapid Charging in Extreme Heat
Something about rapid charging, which is done at a pace faster than normal charging, is that it generates more heat. Further still, when it is hot, this can add even more pressure on the battery.
Charging Tips:
- Use a level 2 charger: If it gets too hot: use a normal charger (level 2, normal rate); do not use a fast charger (DC).
- Check the battery temperature: If you have a battery temperate gauge, monitor it during charging and remove the charger if it gets too hot.
- Charge during cool times: It is advisable to try to charge your vehicle when the weather in your climate is slightly cool, for example in the morning or the evening.
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Maintain Optimal Battery Charge Levels
Battery charging is another way that can be used during summer, and it is very advisable to keep your battery charge between 20% and 80%.
Charging Habits:
- Avoid Full Charging: Do not overcharge your vehicle, especially if it is not needed to go for a long distance the next day or at any other time.
- Don’t Let It Drop Too Low: Similarly, it should not be allowed to discharge up to 20% of the Electric Vehicle Battery capacity.
- Use Scheduled Charging: If your vehicle is fitted with such a feature, you can ensure the Electric Vehicle Battery gets charged at the right level using the scheduled charging method.
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Supervise and Control Driving Behavior
How the car is driven also has implications for the Electric Vehicle Battery. Starting or stopping the car rapidly charges the Electric Vehicle Battery and, therefore, exerts more pressure on it.
So How To Drive?
- Drive Smoothly: It is also important to increase the speed gradually and it is not advisable to stop suddenly.
- Use Eco Mode: If the car has an ‘eco’ mode, engage it. It is useful in the correct utilization of the Electric Vehicle Battery and exerts reduced pressure on the battery.
- Limit Use of High-Power Accessories: Less power-consuming items should be used. High operation of the AC consumes the battery frequently. Try to operate the AC less frequently.
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Regular Maintenance and Check-ups
Periodic electric vehicle battery maintenance and inspection enhance early detection of problems with your electric vehicle battery.
Here are some maintenance tips:
- Check The Cooling Systems: Check the cooling systems of the vehicle and battery to ensure that they are in proper order.
- Software Updates: Ensure that you frequently update your car’s firmware since companies may release improved firmware for battery management.
- Professional Inspections: Take your car for a professional technician to check it up, especially before the onset of the summer season.
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Utilize Battery Thermal Management Systems
Almost all Electric Vehicle Battery today have a battery thermal management system. This system helps to ensure that the battery temperature stays within the appropriate levels. This enhances the electric vehicle battery life as well as the efficiency of the car as it will always be in good condition.
To take advantage of this system, two things have to be done:
- Understand Your Vehicle: It is recommended to at least familiarize yourself with the basics of how the thermal management system in the battery of your vehicle operates. This information can be acquired by either consulting the vehicle manual or by speaking to the dealer.
- Keep The Settings On: If the car has a feature that ensures the battery stays cold then this has to be on, especially during the hot seasons. This setting can be anywhere in the vehicle menu. Ask the vehicle manual or dealer and know where this setting can be located.
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Do Not Overexpose to Heat or High Temperatures
Heat is not friendly to ev battery health, so it is recommended that you avoid exposing them to high temperatures for long.
Protective Measures:
- Limit Parking Time in Hot Areas: To an extent as possible, do not leave your car in very hot areas or for long hours in those areas as well.
- Plan Your Trips: If you have to park outside, park for a short term only. Organizing your travel in a way that the car stays for a long time under the sun is not possible.
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Use Energy-Efficient Routes
Selecting less inclined roads can be of great assistance in minimizing strain on the Electric Vehicle Battery.
Route Planning:
- Avoid Steep Inclines: Avoid routes that have steep gradients because they tend to use up muscle power. Upward slopes are challenging for the vehicle as it requires more force to move along the incline and this exerts additional pressure on the battery.
- Use Navigation Apps: Most of the Electric Vehicle Battery have been programmed with gas and maps that recommend energy-efficient routes; use them.
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Be Aware Of The Battery Level In Your Electric Vehicle At All Times
Hey, did you know that it is useful to monitor the battery on your car…This will in turn assist you in monitoring how your battery is doing, and when necessary, deciding on what to do.
Here’s how:
- Company App: Try to use an application from your vehicle manufacturer to track your battery’s health and its overall performance.
- Other Apps: Some other applications or utilities exist to give more data on your battery stat
Conclusion
The summer season is a critical period when proper care and maintenance of your electric vehicle battery is paramount. Not only does it help maintain the efficiency of the car, but it also contributes towards enhancing the battery life.
Thus, with the application of the above-mentioned simple precautions, one can minimize the impact of heat and use the vehicle all through the summer without any complications. It is therefore very important to bear in mind that you can protect this battery by observing little precaution and altering some of the habits.
It is important that one parks the vehicle under an overhanging tree or use the shed to avoid direct sunlight. Staying a little focused when driving, avoiding going above the speed limit, and ensuring the vehicle is taken for servicing now and then – such small measures are very useful for the well-being of any car. For more tips on Electric Vehicle Battery health check visit here…
With these tips, you can travel and walk around without any concern during the summer and make sure that your Electric Vehicle Battery is 100% secure! For the latest news on eco-friendly vehicles in India visit our electric vehicles section.
FAQ’s
1. How can I protect my EV’s battery during summer?
Secure it under a tree, use the shade for it, and avoid exposing it to direct sunlight for long hours. Switch on the pre-cooling before starting to drive to help cool the interior of the vehicle.
2. Is it okay to use fast charging during summer?
One should avoid utilizing fast charging on hot days. Instead of using a level 1 charger, use a level 2 charger and try and charge the car during off-peak hours, that is during the morning or in the evening.
3. What battery level is best for my EV during the summer?
But the range of charge level to maintain the battery is ideal is between 20 and 80 per cent. Refrain from charging the battery to 100 per cent or draining it to 20 per cent if not necessary.
4. How can I keep my vehicle cool when it is parked outside?
Cover the car using a shade or even a car cover to avoid it getting direct sun rays, and park the car where it cannot get direct sunlight.
5. Should I change my driving habits to save my EV battery in the summer?
Yes, drive smoothly, do not apply pressure on the accelerator pedal, and do not apply a hard brake. If your car has an ‘eco mode’, turn it on and avoid consuming devices such as the AC.