Budget-friendly electric vehicles can lose range in the summer months. In order to get the most out of electric vehicles, driving habits need to be reviewed and some precautions need to be taken. Otherwise, the range of electric cars can decrease by up to 17 percent in the summer.
Elaris General Coordinator Volkan Demir warned drivers about what needs to be done to use electric vehicles efficiently in the summer.
Electric vehicles have become the favorite of individual and corporate users with their near-zero emission values and low energy costs. However, in order to use electric vehicles efficiently in summer temperatures and thus prevent unnecessary energy consumption, some precautions need to be taken. Because hot weather can have negative effects on lithium-ion batteries, the most important component of electric vehicles.
“Lithium-ion batteries provide the highest efficiency at 20°C. When this temperature is exceeded, a decrease in battery performance and range can be observed,” said Elaris General Coordinator Volkan Demir, who shared the precautions that need to be taken to use electric vehicles efficiently in the summer:
“In the summer, the range of electric cars decreases by up to 17 percent. This is because lithium-ion batteries work best at temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees. However, it is possible to extend battery life and maintain daily range with simple but effective precautions against high temperatures.
Charge during cool hours or environments
Fast charging during extremely hot summer hours increases the battery temperature. Therefore, charging should be done early in the morning, at night when it is cool or in the shade. This way, the battery will heat up less and the vehicle will be charged faster.
End the charge at 80 percent
Fast charging systems can also cause the battery to heat up. For this reason, it is necessary to end the charging process when the battery is 80 percent full.
Use air conditioning economically
Using the air conditioning system excessively, or unnecessarily, also reduces range. Opening the windows instead of using the air conditioning during short city distances and at low speeds allows the battery to use less energy. On long journeys, using the air conditioning in “eco” mode prevents range loss by allowing the air conditioning system to operate with minimum energy.
Check tire pressure
Tire pressure also reduces energy consumption. Low or high pressure tires negatively affect both driving safety and energy efficiency. Having ideal tire pressure reduces the load on the battery and helps preserve range.
Do not set out during the hottest hours of the day
Driving between 12:00 and 15:00 in hot weather can negatively affect battery performance. Rising temperatures during this time cause battery systems to consume more energy, reducing range. For this reason, drivers should avoid driving during these hours if possible.
Prefer slow and steady driving
"In electric vehicles, sudden accelerations and harsh braking also directly affect battery consumption. This both reduces energy efficiency and leads to range loss. A slow and predictive driving style must be adopted for longer range," he said.
