How to protect your electric vehicle during summer 

Do you own an electric vehicle (EV)? During periods of extreme heat, you should be vigilant in protecting some of its components, especially the precious battery. In this blog post, the Certified Auto Repair team shares their tips for prolonging the life of your EV during summer.

Risks associated with intense heat

The lithium-ion batteries that power electric cars are sensitive to extreme temperature fluctuations. During periods of extreme heat, the battery can get overheated, resulting in reduced capacity and performance. What’s more, high temperatures can irreversibly affect the battery’s range. In the worst cases, a hot battery can even ignite and cause a fire.

Electric vehicle manufacturers are aware of the risks associated with extreme temperatures. That’s why they’ve come up with sophisticated liquid and air thermoregulation management systems that help keep batteries at the right temperature at all times. Unfortunately, these cooling systems aren’t infallible.

Good habits to adopt

Not all electric vehicles react in the same way to temperature variations. Consequently, your car may be more or less resistant to heat. That said, it’s worth adopting a few sensible habits to protect your electric vehicle during heat waves.

• Invest in regular inspections. It’s important to have your EV regularly inspected at your local Certified Auto Repair to ensure its key components, like the battery, cooling system and air conditioning, are in good working order.

• Prioritize certain charging stations. It’s best not to use fast-charging stations too often. Their powerful current generates a lot of heat, which can damage the battery.

• Slow down. The faster you drive, the harder the battery has to work. If you’re going on a summer road trip, set your GPS to follow routes that avoid highways. The slower roads give you the chance to admire the scenery in peace.

• Choose your parking spots wisely. Whenever possible, park somewhere other than in the direct sun on hot asphalt, even if it means having to walk a few extra minutes to get to your destination.
  

Do you want to know exactly how well your electric vehicle is doing so that you’re better equipped to cope with heat waves? Request an appointment at your nearest Certified Auto Repair location for a complete professional inspection.