Driving an electric car in summer can be a pleasurable experience, but there are some practical tips to follow that will ensure your trip is safe and without incident. Here are some suggestions to optimise the life and performance of your electric car’s battery during the hottest months of the year.
Managing your battery
High summer temperatures may affect the life and performance of your electric car’s battery. Here are some suggestions on how to best manage your battery:
- Preconditioning: Use your car’s preconditioning function, if it has one, to pre-cool the battery before setting off. This can help you maintain an optimal temperature and preserve battery life.
- Intelligent charging: Plan to charge your car during the coolest part of the day, such as in the evening or overnight, to reduce heat and stress on the battery.
- Parking in the shade: Try to park your electric car in a shaded area or in a garage. This will help protect your battery from being directly exposed to sunlight.
Managing the climate control system
Efficient use of your car’s climate control system may help save energy and preserve battery life. Here’s how:
- Natural ventilation: Before switching on the climate control system, open the windows and doors for a few minutes. This will let air circulate in the car and reduce the interior temperature.
- Moderate use of the climate control system: Moderate your use of the climate control system and set it at a reasonable temperature, rather than setting a temperature that’s too low compared with the external temperature.
- Preconditioning: If your car has a preconditioning function, use it to cool down the cabin before setting off, whilst the car is still attached to the charging station. This way, you’ll use less battery energy while driving.
Drive efficiently
Adopting an efficient driving style may help you to save energy and increase your electric car’s range. Here are some suggestions on how:
- Accelerate gradually: Avoid sharp and sudden acceleration. This can consume a lot of energy and reduce range.
- Energy recovery: Use regenerative braking, if you have it, to recover energy and increase your car’s range.
- Limit your speed: Maintain a constant and moderate speed, because driving at high speeds can increase energy consumption and reduce range.
Plan your journey and charging times
This is less of a priority, but we’d always recommend planning a route and charging stops for long and short journeys alike. Here are some suggestions:
- Apps and maps: Use apps and special maps, like the Be Charge map, to identify charging stations along your route and plan your charging stops in advance.
- Rapid charging: If you can, try to use fast or ultra-fast charging stations to reduce stop times and to shorten the overall journey time.
- Charge up when you stop: Make the most of stops: take a break, have a meal or visit a tourist attraction while your car is charging.
By following this advice, you can enjoy a safe and efficient summer journey in your electric car, minimising inconveniences and maximising your vehicle’s performance.
Make the most of the itineraries included in the E-mobility Green Travel section of our blog and be inspired for your next journey.
Happy e-driving!
