How Extreme Heat Impact EV Charging Station Performance
When the first Florida heat wave arrives, there’s a rush to bust out the bathing suits and hit the beach. Excessive heat makes it harder to focus at work and can lead to heat-related illnesses.
However, humans aren’t the only ones to suffer when the mercury levels start to rise. Extreme heat is also risky for your EV battery and can negatively impact EV charging stations.
How does high heat create added risks for EV charging? Read on to learn more.
The Impact of Extreme Heat on EV Charging
From overheating issues to limited driving ranges, hot weather can impact your EV in important ways. To reduce the likelihood of EV charging issues, you can do things like charging during the cooler hours or charging at a slower speed. If you are worried about the safety of a home charging station, you can also schedule a professional consultation with the licensed electricians at Mister Sparky.
1. Increased Chances of Battery Degradation
One of the biggest consequences of high temperatures is how they impact your battery. EV batteries are known to be sensitive to high temperatures. While Florida residents generally don’t have to worry about snowy weather harming EV batteries, heat is an entirely different matter.
In cold weather, batteries experience reduced performance for a temporary amount of time. Unfortunately, excessive heat can lead to a permanent drop in your battery’s capacity. When temperatures are above 85°F for an extended period of time, the internal components and careful chemistry within the battery start to break down.
As a result, your EV battery may have a smaller battery capacity than before or a shorter lifespan. In addition to these issues, it may also charge at a lower rate. Because of how much hot climates can affect EV batteries over time, it’s essential to be proactive about adopting thermal protection measures.
2. Higher Compensation by Cooling Systems
EVs are designed with thermal management systems that allow them to operate efficiently within a certain temperature range. Once the battery is outside of that range, the management systems must work overtime to cool off the battery. As a result, your vehicle ends up using additional energy to go the same distance, lowering your potential driving range.
In the latest EVs, liquid cooling systems are used to keep the battery at a safe temperature. However, these systems still have limits to how much they can cool your vehicle. Once the heat is too much, your vehicle will automatically reduce power output to keep your battery safe. It will also limit your charging speed for the same reason.
3. Range Reduction
Thanks to the previous reasons, EVs have lower ranges in the summer. The increased use of thermal systems, higher tire pressure, and increased demand for air conditioning all contribute to a decline in range. For most drivers, this results in a loss of 5% to 10%.
To keep your EV range as high as possible, you should pre-cool your vehicle while it is still plugged in at home. Once you hit the road, you can reduce the effect on your vehicle by driving at a moderate speed and opting for the eco-driving mode.
4. Added Stress From Charging Stations
Does extreme heat affect charging station performance? Absolutely. Worse still, it also increases the risks to your vehicle.
Summertime charging can be risky for your vehicle, especially if you decide to use a fast charger. Your battery is already warm when you pull up to the station, and fast chargers create even more heat. As a result, your battery may experience thermal stress and an increased likelihood of degradation.
How To Protect Your Battery in Hot Weather
To protect your battery from heat-related damage, there are a few precautionary steps you should take during hot weather.
Time Your Charging
The safest way to charge during the summer is by picking the right time of day. Whenever possible, you should choose to charge your vehicle during the early morning or late evening.
Find Some Shade
Ideally, you should try charging your vehicle at home at night. If you have a garage, you can use it to keep your charger and battery out of the blazing sun. For public chargers, try to pick spots that are shaded by buildings or trees. Charging stations inside of parking garages are also a great option.
Avoid Reaching a 100% Charge
Traditionally, car manufacturers have recommended only charging vehicles to 80%. By doing so, you can prevent thermal stress to the battery and help it last longer. To see the ideal charge amount for your vehicle, check your manufacturer’s guide.
Learn More About EV Charging Stations
Don’t put up with any malarkey, call Mister Sparky!
At Mister Sparky, we can install Level 2 chargers in your garage, carport, or driveway. With a home charging station, you can effectively avoid the inconvenience of public chargers. More importantly, a shaded charger at home allows you to safely charge during periods of extreme heat. To get a professional EV charging station in your home, reach out to our team of experienced electricians today.
