In hot weather, your battery has to work harder to stay cool. This can reduce your range.
The ideal battery temperature is between 20 and 30 °C. From around 30 °C your range drops slightly, but your battery is not damaged. From around 50 °C, however, your battery can be damaged.
How to protect your car and your range:
Park in the shade, for example under trees or in a covered or underground car park. If that's not possible, use a sunshade.
Use the air conditioning in moderation. A big difference from the outside temperature costs range. Use eco mode or the cabin overheat protection feature, and pre-cool your car via an app if your car supports it.
Preferably charge via AC (up to 22 kW) and use DC fast charging mainly on long journeys: fast charging generates extra heat.
Don't charge above 80%: the last 20% takes much longer.
Never let your battery drop to 0%. Look for a charge point as soon as you're at around 20%.
Carry less weight: a heavier load makes your car less efficient.
Going on a trip?
Plan your route and look up the charge points in advance.
Check whether your (company) charge card works abroad and whether the charging station operators accept your charge card.
Check the charging rates before you start a charging session, so you avoid surprises.
Read the full article on our blog: Tips for EVs during the summer months: how to drive and charge?
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