Driving and Charging an EV in Hot Weather

Driving an EV in hot weather – Is it safe?

The short answer is yes! EVs have been designed for use around the world, so they have a very wide operational temperature window. However, there are a few things you can do to maximise safety and efficiency when driving and charging your EV in hot weather.

How does hot weather affect EV range?

During the summer months, you may notice your EV’s range is affected by the high temperatures. An overheated battery can reduce an EV’s range. Many people think that the hot weather itself has an impact on the performance of the battery, and that is true in extreme heat, but it’s often the extra things like running the AC or driving with the windows open that have the larger effect.

There are several things you can do to help improve your EV’s range in the hot weather. This includes driving gently and avoiding accelerating harshly, using your air conditioning mindfully, and driving in ‘eco’ mode if your EV model enables it. Check out our recent blog on range anxiety for a deep dive into EV range and our tips for maximising it.

Optimise battery performance

Lithium-ion batteries perform best between 20-25°C, whilst higher temperatures can result in decreased range and may lead to battery damage. However, many people drive EVs in hot locations, such as Southern California, continental Europe, and South and East Asia, with few issues.

Simple things, such as parking your EV in a shaded spot and trying to drive it at a time of day when the weather is not at its hottest (usually between midday – 2:00pm) will help protect the EV’s battery when temperatures soar.

Check your tyres before travelling

This is an essential part of driving an EV, no matter the weather conditions. Under or overinflated tyres can affect tyre grip, braking and rolling distance, tyre lifespan and charge consumption.

However, in hotter weather, these dangers are exacerbated. On an average day, friction and resistance result in a build-up of heat inside car tyres, but hotter weather increases pressure. Every 10°C rise or fall in temperature affects a tyre’s pressure by between 1 and 2 PSI (pound-force per square inch).

Your EV may have a built-in tyre pressure monitoring system, which will warn you if the pressure is too low. Or, checking your tyre pressure manually will ensure you are able to drive safely during these hotter months. All tyres are different and have an ideal pressure window, so check the markings on the side if you’re not sure.

Charging your EV in hot weather?

During the summer months, you may notice your EV’s range is affected by the high temperatures. An overheated battery can reduce an EV’s range. Many people think that the hot weather itself has an impact on the performance of the battery, and that is true in extreme heat, but it’s often the extra things like running the AC or driving with the windows open that have the larger effect.

There are several things you can do to help improve your EV’s range in the hot weather. This includes driving gently and avoiding accelerating harshly, using your air conditioning mindfully, and driving in ‘eco’ mode if your EV model enables it. Check out our recent blog on range anxiety for a deep dive into EV range and our tips for maximising it.

Optimise battery performance

Lithium-ion batteries perform best between 20-25°C, whilst higher temperatures can result in decreased range and may lead to battery damage. However, many people drive EVs in hot locations, such as Southern California, continental Europe, and South and East Asia, with few issues.

Simple things, such as parking your EV in a shaded spot and trying to drive it at a time of day when the weather is not at its hottest (usually between midday – 2:00pm) will help protect the EV’s battery when temperatures soar.

Check your tyres before travelling

This is an essential part of driving an EV, no matter the weather conditions. Under or overinflated tyres can affect tyre grip, braking and rolling distance, tyre lifespan and charge consumption.

However, in hotter weather, these dangers are exacerbated. On an average day, friction and resistance result in a build-up of heat inside car tyres, but hotter weather increases pressure. Every 10°C rise or fall in temperature affects a tyre’s pressure by between 1 and 2 PSI (pound-force per square inch).

Your EV may have a built-in tyre pressure monitoring system, which will warn you if the pressure is too low. Or, checking your tyre pressure manually will ensure you are able to drive safely during these hotter months. All tyres are different and have an ideal pressure window, so check the markings on the side if you’re not sure.