Beat the Heat
Electric vehicle owners are starting to get the hang of maintaining their cars in extreme temperatures. Summer is well underway and getting the most range for your charge can be challenging in record breaking heat.
Here are a few ways to make sure your battery is optimized for maximum range.
Stay Plugged In
An electric vehicle is always doing something even when it is off, meaning the battery is always at work. When temperatures are high, the battery works even harder to keep cool. Keeping your EV plugged in will prevent battery draining overnight – another benefit of owning a home charger.
Mindful Breaking/Accelerating
Excessive acceleration and sudden stops are not good for any vehicle, electric or gas. Pay attention while driving to ensure a smooth drive, saving your EV from unnecessary wear a tear.
Regenerative Braking
Our physics majors may be ahead of the game on this one. Whether it’s an EV or gas-powered vehicle, letting gravity and inertia do the work is going to save your battery a big chunk of miles.
You may already do this when driving downhill, but let the car slow down by itself when possible. This will transfer energy from the brakes to the battery.
Parking
Finding a parking spot is a feat on its own in some cities but finding a space in the shade is even more important for EVs. Consider protecting your EV from the sun under a tree or in the shade of a tall building. A windshield cover is another affordable way to protect your battery from drainage and is a great way to maintain the interior material as well.
Battery Sweet Spot
EV batteries (lithium batteries) are still improving in efficiency. Overcharging on a regular basis can lead to premature battery aging, much like mobile phones and laptop computers. If possible, keep your EV under 90% and above 60% to keep your battery healthy.
Plan Ahead
Let’s be honest, we’re all a bit spoiled when it comes to comfort in our commutes, and we rely heavily on our vehicles to keep us cozy. In EV culture, where range is king, looking for other ways to stay cool makes a big difference. To save your battery, we recommend keeping the air conditioner low, or try cooling your car before embarking on your journey so that you don’t need to keep it running on the trip. There are plenty of affordable standalone accessories you could invest in that will relieve your battery as well.
Watch Your Weight
No, we don’t mean the number you see on the scale every morning (although that would probably help too). The more you carry in your car, the more drag your EV will experience, the less miles you’ll get to the charge. Do your best to keep your vehicle free of unnecessary clutter, especially large heavy items.
Bells and Whistles
The entertainment your car provides as they get more advanced can be a lot of fun, but too much of a good thing can be a problem. The touchscreens in new EVs are inviting, but can be dangerously distracting, and will drain power from your battery. Do your best to focus on the road for the sake of range, and your safety.
These easy tips can make a big difference in EV driving during the summer. While battery overheating isn’t common, being mindful of prevention is good practice. Enjoy your summer!