Ultimate Summer EV Care Guide

As temperatures rise, electric vehicle (EV) owners face unique challenges in maintaining battery health, efficiency, and comfort. Summer heat can strain your EV’s battery, reduce driving range, and even accelerate wear on critical components. At TelioEV, we’ve compiled actionable tips to help you safeguard your EV during the hottest months-ensuring optimal performance, longevity, and peace of mind.

Why Summer Heat Impacts EVs Differently

Electric vehicles rely on lithium-ion batteries, which perform best between 15°C and 35°C. Extreme heat can disrupt battery chemistry, trigger thermal throttling (reduced charging speeds), and increase energy consumption from cooling systems. Studies show that temperatures above 35°C can reduce driving range by up to 20%.

Key Challenges:

Battery Overheating: Prolonged exposure to heat degrades battery cells, shortening lifespan.

AC Drain: Cooling the cabin consumes battery power, impacting range.

Tire Pressure Fluctuations: Heat expands tire air, affecting safety and efficiency.

TelioEV’s Top Summer Care Tips for EVs

1. Park Smart to Avoid Overheating

Parking in direct sunlight can raise cabin temperatures by 40°F within an hour. Always:

• Seek shade or use a garage.
• Install windshield sunshades to block UV rays.
• Invest in a reflective car cover for extended outdoor parking.

2. Optimize Charging Habits

Heat + fast charging = battery stress. To minimize damage:

• Charge during cooler hours (early morning or late evening).
• Avoid charging above 80% unless necessary for long trips.
• Let the battery cool before plugging in after a drive.

3. Master Preconditioning

Precool your EV while it’s still plugged in. This feature:

• Uses grid power (not battery) to cool the cabin and battery.
• Reduces AC usage during drives, preserving range.
• Most EVs allow scheduling via mobile apps.

4. Monitor Tire Pressure

For every 10°F temperature increase, tire pressure rises by 1 PSI. Overinflated tires reduce traction, while underinflated ones drain battery life.

• Check pressure weekly when tires are cold.
• Follow manufacturer-recommended PSI levels.

5. Adjust Driving Behavior

• Use Eco Mode to limit acceleration and optimize energy use.
• Leverage regenerative braking to recharge the battery during deceleration.
• Avoid high speeds-aerodynamic drag increases energy consumption by 30% at 70+ mph.

6. Maintain Cooling Systems

EVs rely on thermal management systems to prevent battery overheating. Ensure:

• AC refrigerant levels are topped up.
• Cabin air filters are clean to maximize airflow.
• Software updates are installed to improve cooling efficiency.

Dos and Don’ts of EV Summer Care

To summarize the most important points, here are the key dos and don’ts for caring for your EV in the summer:

Dos

• Do park in the shade or use sunshades and car covers to protect your EV from direct sunlight.
• Do maintain your battery charge between 20% and 80% for optimal health.
• Do schedule charging sessions during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or overnight.
• Do use preconditioning to cool the cabin and battery before driving, while the vehicle is still plugged in.
• Do check and adjust tire pressure regularly, especially before long trips.
• Do ensure your air conditioning and thermal management systems are serviced and functioning efficiently.
• Do plan your routes and charging stops in advance, especially for long journeys.
• Do keep your EV’s software up to date for the latest efficiency improvements and safety features.
• Do inspect your vehicle regularly, including brakes, lights, and charging equipment.

Don’ts

❌ Don’t leave your EV parked in direct sunlight for extended periods, as this can overheat the battery and cabin.

❌ Don’t charge your battery to 100% or let it drop below 20% unless absolutely necessary.

❌ Don’t charge your EV immediately after a long, hot drive; let the battery cool down first to prevent heat buildup.

❌ Don’t ignore tire pressure changes; both overinflation and underinflation can be dangerous in hot weather.

❌ Don’t neglect regular maintenance, especially of the cooling and air conditioning systems.

❌ Don’t use the air conditioning excessively while driving; use preconditioning and efficient driving habits to minimize energy consumption.

❌ Don’t leave your EV unused for long periods with a full or empty battery, especially in hot weather; aim for around 50% charge.

❌ Don’t overlook the importance of software updates and routine system checks.

Stay Cool, Drive Smarter

Summer doesn’t have to mean compromised performance for your EV. By parking wisely, optimizing charging, and adopting efficient driving habits, you’ll protect your battery and enjoy seamless journeys all season. For more expert insights, explore TelioEV’s resources or join our community forum to share your summer EV hacks!

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