Summer Road Trips with an Electric Car: Tips and Tricks for Optimal Performance
March to June the summer season is the hottest time in most of the parts of India. The most hectic season of this tropical country, summer scorches almost all the parts of India with sweltering heat.Due to Hot winds, scorching sun ,temperature soaring 45 degrees ,It's challenging to plan road trip during summer.The summer heat affects all cars, including those equipped with internal combustion engines.In such extreme condition electric car owners should be aware of the potential changes in their car’s performance when temperatures rise. It is important to understand the effects that hot weather can have on the performance of electric vehicles and charging stations.

In this article, we will discuss what to expect from your electric car and charging station performance in summer.We will also provide tips and tricks for optimal performance.

 Effect of summer on EV performance

There are three major areas that get affected by hot weather.Air conditioning system,battery and motor.Lets elaborate it to understand.

Air conditioning system-The air conditioning system has to work harder to cool the vehicle in hot weather, resulting in a lower range.So air conditioning may be less efficient in hot temperatures.

Battery-The chemical reaction that powers the battery can be slowed down in hot weather. This means that the battery may take longer to charge and may have a shorter range.So,the battery may be less efficient in hot temperatures.

Motor-Heat can cause the motor to become less efficient, resulting in lower performance.

All three factors combined to reduce overall performance of EV vehicles in summer. So please make sure it is properly maintained and cool down your electric vehicle before use.

Tips for maximum output in hot weather

Plan your route carefully - It's very important to consider your route and make sure it offers sufficient charging stations along the way. Batteries can lose their charge quickly at higher temperatures. To avoid getting stuck in such a situation research and map out the charging stations on your route, and consider carrying a backup charger as well.

Know your vehicle’s range -Knowing the range of your EV is important when planning long-distance travel, particularly during hot weather.To ensure that you don't run out of power, make sure that you have sufficient battery to reach the next charging station

Regenerative braking -Regenerative braking is an energy recovery mechanism that slows down a moving vehicle or object by converting its kinetic energy into a form that can be either used immediately or stored until needed.Regenerative braking helps you recharge your vehicle’s battery as you drive. It is especially useful for electric vehicles that have limited range and it can help you extend your range in hot weather.

Charging -Charging your electric vehicle overnight during cooler hours can help you save energy and extend your range in hot weather.

Reduce Idling - Idling wastes energy and reduces your range. Try to avoid long idling times and turn off your vehicle when it is not in use.

Cabin Temperature- Keeping the cabin temperature of your electric vehicle lower will help you save energy. Make sure to turn the air conditioning off when you don’t need it and keep the windows closed when driving.

Pre-conditioning- Preconditioning can involve turning the air conditioning on before you start driving to cool the cabin or pre-heating the cabin when it is cold outside. Pre conditioning will save energy.

Park your vehicle in shade-Parking in shade or indoor will allow the battery and interior to cool down while parked. When you get back in the car, the battery will use less energy to cool the car.

Aerodynamics-Reducing the drag coefficient of your electric vehicle by using a car cover or adding a spoiler can help you reduce energy consumption, thereby improving your range.

Keep vehicle well maintained - Regular maintenance checks and oil monitoring can help to maximize the battery life, also make sure to check the tire pressure, which affects your car's mileage and performance.

Key takeaway

Summer has an impact on all cars,ICE cars as well as electric vehicles.But it is important to recognize unique needs of vehicle.There are several ways to extend EV range during hot weather.By following above tips,you can optimize your EV performance during hot temperatures.Electric vehicles offer a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars. However, long-distance travel in hot weather requires some planning and consideration.Taking these precautionary steps can help ensure that EVs are able to remain on the road, even in hot weather.