Summers are here, and as temperatures begin to soar, your EV needs a little extra care. Extreme heat and affect the battery, reduce driving range in some cases and impact charging performance too. But how much does summer really affect your electric vehicle? And what simple steps can owners follow to keep their EV healthy in hot weather? Here are some easy summer care tips every EV owner should know.
1. Park In Shade Whenever Possible
This is one of the easiest and most underrated ways to protect your car. Direct sunlight heats the cabin, while it also increases the temperature around the battery pack. If possible, park under a tree, in a covered parking area or inside a garage. This will help keep the cabin cooler and reduce the load on the air conditioning system when you start driving. A cooler cabin also means the EV will use less battery to bring the temperature down.
2. Keep Tyre Pressure In Check
Tyre Pressure changes with temperature. During summer, incorrect tyre pressure can affect ride quality, safety and driving range. Low tyre pressure increases rolling resistance, which means the motor has to work harder and the vehicle uses more battery. On the contrary, over inflated tyre jeopardize traction and handling. EV owners should check tyre pressure regularly, especially before long drives. Always follow the tyre pressure recommended by the manufacturer in the owner's manual.
3. Use Pre-conditioning
Many EVs allow users to cool the cabin before starting the drive or while charging. This feature is very useful in summer. If your EV is plugged in, pre-cooling the cabin can reduce the load on the battery once you start driving. This means the cabin is already comfortable when you enter the vehicle, and the air conditioner does not have to work too hard while driving. It can also help improve range during hot days.
4. Limit Fast Charging
Fast charging is useful, especially during long trips, but using it too often in extreme heat can put extra stress on the battery. In summer, try to use regular or slow charging whenever possible, especially for daily use. If you have just completed a long drive, let the battery cool down for some time before plugging into a fast charger. This simple habit can help protect battery health in the long run.
5. Plan your Charging Sessions
During summer, it is better to plan your charging sessions smartly instead of plugging in randomly. Try to charge your EV during cooler hours, such as early morning or late evening, as high temperatures can affect charging speed and battery temperature. Also, avoid waiting until the battery is too low before charging, especially if you are planning a long drive.
6. Keep The Software Updated
Many EVs receive software updates that improve battery management, charging performance and overall efficiency. You should make sure their vehicle software is updated whenever the brand releases a new update. These updates are helpful in managing heat better and improving performance in different weather conditions.
