Warm sun, the smell of sunscreen, barbecues sizzling on the grill – there’s nothing quite like summer! ☀️ Whether you’re commuting to work, running errands, or gearing up for a holiday getaway, as much as we love long summer days, it can get intense (for humans and EVs).

While EVs are designed to handle a wide range of temperatures, extreme heat can affect your battery’s efficiency, charging speeds, and overall performance. But don’t worry – with some simple habits, you can keep your EV battery happy and healthy all summer long.

In this guide, we’ll share practical tips to help you protect your EV’s most important component, so you can enjoy your EV adventures without the heat slowing you down.

1. Park Smart (shade is your best friend)

Hot interiors aren’t just uncomfortable for you — they can also make your battery work harder. So whenever possible:

• Park in shaded or covered areas.
• Use a sunshade to keep cabin temps down.
• If your car has scheduled pre-cooling, set it up while plugged in so your cabin cools down before you drive, without draining the battery.

2. Charge During Cooler Times of the Day

Batteries perform best at moderate temperatures (around 20–30°C). Charging during the hottest part of the day can mean slower charging speeds and extra strain on the battery. To keep your battery in top shape:

• Aim to charge early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures drop.
• If you must charge midday, choose a shaded charger if available.

3. Don’t Always Top Up to 100%

In summer (and really year-round), your battery prefers to live in the 20–80% range for day-to-day driving. Topping up to 100% is best reserved for long trips. This helps minimise stress on your battery and keeps it in its comfort zone.

Use eco-driving modes

Eco modes don’t just extend your range; they also reduce strain on your battery in hot conditions. Pair this with smooth acceleration and regenerative braking to keep both you and your EV cool and efficient.

 5. Keep your EV updates

Many EV manufacturers release software updates that improve thermal management systems. Make sure your vehicle’s software is up to date, so your car has the latest tools to keep the battery at the right temperature.

6. Precondition your battery before you start driving

Just like you wouldn’t start a marathon or a tough gym exercise without warming up, your EV battery also benefits from a little prep. Preconditioning (warming or cooling the battery before charging or driving) helps maintain consistent performance in extreme weather. Many EVs let you do this automatically through your infotainment system or app.

Final Thoughts

Summer heat doesn’t have to put a damper on your EV driving. By making a few small adjustments — like charging in cooler hours, preconditioning your battery, and keeping your EV in the shade — you’ll protect your battery’s health and enjoy smooth, stress-free driving.

So, as the weather gets hotter, let your EV do what it does best: get you where you need to go, quickly, quietly, and with zero tailpipe emissions. 😉⚡