Electric vehicle in hot weather – the impact on charging
Summer is in full swing, and rising temperatures are raising the
question of how the heat impacts electric vehicles. From
batteries and parking to recharging and driving, here’s our
advice on how to drive safely and avoid overheating!
The effects of heat on EV batteries
Battery overheating
As mentioned when we looked into the impact of cold weather on EV range, lithium-ion batteries do not perform well in extreme temperatures. In fact, they generally operate most efficiently between 20 and 25°C.
The risk of battery overheating increases during the summer when driving at higher speeds on long journeys. Beyond 45-50°C, the battery’s electronic components deteriorate quicker, leading to reduced charging performance. Of course, the temperature range varies according to the EV model and the phenomenon will be more or less acute depending on the quality of your battery.
If you want to look into this further, you can read our tips on maintaining satisfactory battery performance over time.
Impact on charging rate
As the battery approaches the point of overheating, the charging speed decreases. What happens is that the battery management system (BMS) adapts the charging rate to the temperature of the battery. To prevent overheating, the charging rate and charging time are affected to varying degrees.
In extreme cases, charging may even be paused for safety reasons while the battery cools down.
Battery cooling system
Having said that, depending on the cooling system on board your EV, your battery won’t be affected by heat to the same extent. Most recent electric vehicles now incorporate sophisticated thermal management systems, generally based on a liquid cooling circuit. This technology, which is used by many manufacturers, maintains battery performance even in very hot conditions.
Some vehicles, however, regulate the temperature of the battery via forced air cooling, which is less efficient. So think about checking what system your electric vehicle is equipped with and adapt your journeys in hot weather to take this into account.
And what about internal combustion engine vehicles?
We often talk about the effects of heat on electric vehicles, but we forget that it also has an impact on internal combustion engine cars.
During heatwaves, internal combustion engines can overheat, particularly on long journeys or in traffic jams. This can lead to a loss of performance and even breakdowns caused by the cooling system.
Another point that is often overlooked is air pollution. Internal combustion engines emit more fine particles and polluting gases in hot weather, which deteriorates air quality, especially in town. Conversely, an electric vehicle produces no local emissions, which is a considerable advantage during heatwaves and pollution alerts.
Are charging stations affected by heat?
Yes, heat also affects the electronic components of charging stations. Public charging infrastructure generally operates optimally up to 50°C — and that’s for the most efficient stations.
In the most extreme cases, with temperatures exceeding 45°C, some charging stations may trigger a safety measure to prevent overheating. Charging may be either reduced or temporarily interrupted.The heart of the problem lies in the fact that public charging stations are rarely sheltered. While many outdoor charging stations do not yet have specific shelters, operators are stepping up initiatives to improve their resilience in hot weather. Some exceptions can be noted, such as charging stations on the Fastned network, which are fitted with a solar panel roof, or the IONITY network. These are becoming more widespread in.
This means that, just like your electric vehicle, charging stations may limit the power ouput delivered in hot weather.
What about the energy consumed by air conditioning?
The use of air conditioning in very hot weather can lead to a slight reduction in range. However, recent advances in heat pumps and intelligent air conditioning systems mean that this impact can be limited, particularly on the latest models.
As with the cooling system, it depends on how the air conditioning is generated. The impact is lower for electric vehicles equipped with a heat pump with reversible air conditioning. This system is, moreover, becoming more widespread as it consumes less energy. It is the gateway to driving in pleasant conditions in both summer and winter without the stress of draining your battery.
If your EV is equipped with a heat pump, the energy consumed by the air conditionning system will be totally reasonable.
Our tips to avoid the stress of charging in sweltering conditions
First and foremost, let us not forget the initial key phase of ensuring a successful e-journey – planning. To set off in the best possible conditions, don’t forget to plan your route using the Chargemap route planner.
Opt for sheltered charging stations or charge points located in underground car parks
As we mentioned earlier, charging stations are also sensitive to heat. It is therefore a good idea to go for charging stations fitted with a roof or located in underground car parks. The photos published by the Chargemap community on the mobile app will help you choose the best charging points.
A charging stop in a shaded environment will also be beneficial for your EV as it will be able to cool down more efficiently. Even without charging, parking in the shade or in a sheltered spot whenever you can will slow down wear and tear on your electric car.
If you are thinking about installing a home charging station, bear this in mind when you choose the location (either in your garage or a well-protected spot if it is outside).
Charge up early in the morning or at night
Along the same lines, it is a good idea to plan your journey so that you charge early in the morning or at night whenever possible. During heatwaves, this will help you benefit from more bearable temperatures for yourself, your EV and the charging station. A win-win combo!
Avoid systematic 100% charging
In both summer and winter, it’s generally advisable to avoid systematically charging your battery to 100%, unless you need maximum range (for example, for a long journey). Keeping the charge between 20% and 80% helps to limit thermal stress on the battery and preserve its longevity.
That said, this is not an absolute rule. Other factors have a much greater impact on battery wear and tear: the type of charging point used on a daily basis (rapid or slow charging), your driving habits, the way the vehicle is stored and even the weather conditions.
👉🏻 Also read: Should you charge your electric car every day?
Pre-cool your EV before setting off
To start your journey in optimal conditions, pre-cool the interior of your EV while it’s still plugged in. This way, the air conditioning draws power from the grid rather than the battery, helping you set off with a comfortable cabin temperature without compromising range. Maintaining that temperature on the road will then use far less energy. It’s an ideal way to optimise battery performance on long trips.
Most electric cars let you schedule preconditioning —both the temperature and activation time— via the dashboard or remotely through the manufacturer’s app.
Ease off the accelerator
If you’re a regular reader of our articles, you’ll know this tip comes up time and time again, but it’s always worth repeating. Gentle, steady driving is beneficial in all conditions, but it’s especially important during extreme temperatures. Adopting a few simple habits behind the wheel can help preserve your EV battery. And remember: small changes can make a big difference by the end of your journey.
We hope you found this article helpful and that it helps you travel with peace of mind in your electric vehicle, even in hot weather. Feel free to share your feedback or your own tips in the comments below. All that’s left is to wish you a safe journey and a smooth charging experience as summer approaches! ☀️
Head off on holiday with peace of mind – easily find charging stations along your route.
Download the Chargemap app for free.
