The autonomy of electric cars is affected not just by low temperatures in the winter but by high temperatures in the summer as well.
Long journeys on motorways, when outside temperatures are high, can cause batteries to heat up.
Batteries and overheating
Lithium-ion batteries, which are found in most electric vehicles do not adapt well to extreme temperatures: their ideal range is between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius. Such temperatures only occur during a very short period of the year on our shores, which is why each car's battery-cooling system plays such an essential role.
Electric cars can use either forced air or liquid cooling systems. The latter is much more effective than the former and guarantees that the batteries always remain within an appropriate temperature range and in accordance with their requirements in the summer.
On the other hand, once temperatures rise above 45 or 50 °C, the electronic components of batteries deteriorate much faster and a decline in their charging performance can be observed: the closer they get to their overheating point, the slower their charging speed, as their management system adapts their rate of charging to the temperature.
That’s why we're offering you some tips today for getting the most out of your electric car in the summer and, as a result, maintaining its autonomy.
Tips for charging electric cars when temperatures are high
• Charge your car during the coolest times of the day: at night or during the early hours of the morning, when it is cooler and the battery’s heating process is not accompanied by high temperatures.
• Switch the air-conditioning on before you get out of your vehicle: if you leave it on during the charging, the system will use energy from the network rather than the battery. That will keep the batteries from overheating. In addition, many electric vehicles have a cabin pre-cooling system.
• Drive calmly: driving smoothly, avoiding abrupt movements, is beneficial during periods of extreme temperatures. You will consume less energy and thereby reduce your vehicle’s battery-heating.
• Charge from sheltered points: choose a charging point sheltered from the sun or located in an underground station. That way both the charging point and the vehicle will be less exposed to heat.
Plan your vehicle's charging before you travel
Check the location of Endolla Barcelona’s charging points before you drive your electric vehicle. Our car parks not only offer connectors for easy and comfortable electric-vehicle charging but also protect vehicles from the street’s high temperatures.
