Elmer
Electric cars in the summer heat
In summer an electric car goes furthest. But heat is harder on the battery than cold, and on very hot days rapid charging can be slower.
Heat wears the battery
A battery ages faster when it is hot and fully charged at the same time. This is especially true if the car stands in the sun for a long time at 100%. For everyday use it is best to charge to 80% and charge to 100% just before a long trip.
Park in the shade
Park in the shade or in an underground car park when you can. The car uses power itself to cool the battery when it is very hot. If the car stands in the sun for a long time, you may see a few per cent disappear, even though it is standing still.
Cool down while the car charges
Turn on the air conditioning from the app while the car is still plugged in. Then the power comes from the grid, and you drive off in a cool car with a full battery. Air conditioning uses less power than heating in winter, so the range only drops a little.
Rapid charging on hot days
After a long motorway drive in hot weather, the battery can be so warm that the car turns the power down. Then it charges more slowly than normal. Read more about the charging curve.
How to look after your EV battery
Why does EV charging slow down? The charging curve
EV charging at campsites and holiday homes
Taking your EV on holiday abroad