How to maintain your electric vehicle's performance in summer

Summer is one of the best times to enjoy driving an electric vehicle (EV). Warmer temperatures typically improve battery efficiency and overall range compared to colder winter months. However, excessive heat can still pose challenges—particularly when it comes to battery health and energy consumption.

By understanding how hot weather affects your EV and adopting a few smart habits, you can maximise your range, maintain battery performance, and enjoy a more comfortable driving experience throughout the summer.

How Summer Weather Affects EVs

Electric vehicles generally perform more efficiently in mild to warm temperatures. Batteries operate best within an optimal temperature range, meaning you’ll often notice improved range and responsiveness during summer compared to winter.

However, extreme heat can have downsides.

High temperatures can:

• Increase the demand on cooling systems (such as air conditioning and battery cooling)
• Accelerate long-term battery wear if not properly managed
• Reduce efficiency if the vehicle has to work harder to regulate temperature

The key is balance—enjoy the benefits of warm weather while taking simple steps to protect your EV.

How to Maintain Your EV’s Range in Summer

• Use Eco Mode
  Most EVs are equipped with an Eco Mode, designed to optimise efficiency. When activated, it reduces energy consumption by adjusting throttle response and limiting power usage from features like air conditioning. In hot weather, this can make a noticeable difference, helping you preserve range while still staying comfortable.

• Use Preconditioning
  Preconditioning is often associated with winter, but it’s just as valuable in summer.

This feature allows you to cool your car’s interior before you start your journey—usually via a mobile app or scheduled setting. By doing this while the car is still plugged in:

• You reduce the need for heavy air conditioning while driving
• You preserve battery charge
• You start your journey in a comfortable cabin
• It’s a simple step that improves both efficiency and driving experience.

How to Look After Your Battery in Summer

• Park in the Shade

Whenever possible, avoid parking in direct sunlight for long periods. Excessive heat can raise both cabin and battery temperatures.

Choosing shaded or covered parking helps:

• Reduce strain on the battery cooling system
• Maintain better energy efficiency
• Keep your vehicle cooler when you return

• Charge Between 20% and 80%
  To maintain long-term battery health, it’s widely recommended to keep your charge level between 20% and 80%.

This becomes especially important in hot weather, as:

• High charge levels generate more heat
• Combined heat and high charge can accelerate battery degradation
• Only charge to 100% when necessary for longer journeys.

• Limit Rapid Charging
  Rapid (high kW) charging is convenient but generates additional heat within the battery.

During summer:

• Try to avoid rapid charging during the hottest parts of the day
• Opt for shorter top-up charges rather than full charges
• Use standard charging where practical
• This helps reduce thermal stress on the battery.

• Keep Your EV Plugged In at Home
  Modern EVs are equipped with advanced thermal management systems that regulate battery temperature.

When your car is plugged in:

• It can maintain optimal battery temperature without using stored charge
• Preconditioning can run without draining the battery
• The system works more efficiently overall
• You can also set a charging limit (e.g., 80%) to protect battery health while still benefiting from being plugged in. EVs are designed to prevent overcharging, so leaving them connected is safe and often beneficial.

With a few simple adjustments, you can make the most of summer driving in your electric vehicle—enjoying longer journeys, greater comfort, and better long-term performance.