Key Takeaways
- Charge your EV during cooler hours to protect battery health and take advantage of lower electricity rates.
- Precondition the cabin while plugged in to ensure immediate comfort and conserve battery power for driving.
- Park in shaded areas or use car covers to lower interior temperatures and protect against UV rays.
- Regularly check and maintain tyre pressure to enhance energy efficiency and prevent blowouts in high temperatures.
- Consider window tinting to cool the interior, improve energy efficiency and provide added privacy and security.
Optimise Your Charging Schedule
As summer temperatures rise, charging your EV during cooler hours—late at night or early in the morning—helps maintain battery health and efficiency. High heat can cause batteries to overheat, reducing range and potentially causing long-term damage. Shifting your charging times not only protects your vehicle but also allows you to benefit from off-peak electricity tariffs. A well-planned charging schedule ensures you enjoy greater freedom on summer adventures without worrying about diminished battery performance.
Utilise Preconditioning Features
Using your EV’s preconditioning function allows you to cool the cabin while the vehicle remains plugged in, conserving battery power for driving:
- Comfort on entry: Step into a refreshingly cool cabin.
- Battery preservation: Regulate battery temperature to extend its lifespan.
- Energy savings: Use mains electricity to run climate control rather than drawing from the battery.
Keep Your EV in the Shade
Parking in the shade significantly reduces interior temperatures and helps preserve battery life. Try these simple strategies:
Park Under Trees
- Lower interior temperatures: Shade keeps the cabin cooler.
- Battery preservation: Cooler conditions support optimal battery performance.
- Environmental benefit: Trees improve air quality and enhance your surroundings.
Use a Car Cover
- Heat barrier: Reflective covers block UV rays and sunlight.
- Protect finishes: Prevent paint fading and interior damage.
- Cleanliness: Keep dust and debris off your EV between uses.
Choose Covered Parking
- Consistent shade: Garages and covered bays maintain a cooler environment.
- Security: Indoor parking offers protection from vandalism and theft.
- Convenience: Many urban centres provide easy access to covered parking.
Use Climate Control Wisely
Precondition Before Driving
Preconditioning cools your vehicle while plugged in, preserving battery range:
- Enhanced comfort: Enjoy a cool cabin from the moment you start.
- Improved range: Reserve battery power for driving.
- Battery longevity: Maintain optimal operating temperatures.
Utilise Smart Temperature Settings
Adjusting climate control more subtly can save energy:
| Strategy | Benefits | Tips |
| Set temperature higher | Saves battery power | Try 2–3 °C above normal |
| Use seat cooling | Personalised comfort | Activate before departure |
| Engage eco mode | Maximises efficiency | Ideal for stop-start urban driving |
| Schedule preconditioning | Pre-cools before departure | Use your EV’s app timer feature |
Shade and Ventilation Techniques
- Park in shade: Always seek out cool spots or use sunshades.
- Natural ventilation: Crack windows slightly to allow hot air to escape when parked.
- Solar-powered vent: Install a fan that runs on sunlight to exhaust cabin heat.
Monitor Tyre Pressure
High temperatures can cause tyre pressure to rise, risking overinflation and reduced contact with the road. Check your tyres regularly and maintain the manufacturer’s recommended PSI, which you’ll find on the driver’s door jamb or in the handbook. Correct tyre pressure not only prevents blowouts but also enhances energy efficiency, helping you make the most of every charge.
Invest in Window Tinting
Tinted windows can dramatically reduce interior heat and protect against UV damage:
- Temperature control: Keeps cabin cooler for longer.
- UV protection: Shields occupants and interior materials.
- Privacy and security: Obscures valuables from view.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can High Heat Damage My EV’s Battery Life?
Yes. Elevated temperatures accelerate chemical reactions in the battery, reducing capacity and efficiency. Employ shade and preconditioning to protect battery health.
How Does Heat Affect My EV’s Range?
High temperatures can diminish range by causing the battery-management system to expend extra energy cooling the pack and cabin. Plan your journeys and charging to account for this.
Are There Summer-Specific Maintenance Tips for EVs?
Yes. In summer, check tyre pressure, coolant levels and battery temperature regularly. Ensure the air-conditioning system is serviced to maintain efficient cabin cooling.
What Should I Do If My EV Overheats?
If your EV shows overheating warnings, pull over safely, switch off the vehicle and allow it to cool. Check coolant levels if applicable and consult the handbook or a professional if issues persist.
Is It Safe to Park My EV in Direct Sunlight?
It’s best to avoid direct sunlight, as it elevates cabin and battery temperatures. Seek shade or use reflective sunshades to protect your EV and maintain optimal performance.
Conclusion
In the height of summer, keeping your EV cool requires a combination of smart charging habits, preconditioning, shade and efficient climate control. By following these strategies, you’ll not only beat the heat but also enhance comfort, preserve battery life and enjoy greater freedom on every journey.
