Electric Vehicles in Hot Weather: Tips from Zero Impact Solutions

As temperatures rise, electric vehicle (EV) owners face unique challenges in maintaining their vehicles' performance and battery health. At Zero Impact Solutions, a leading provider of turnkey EV supply equipment (EVSE) services, we understand these concerns and want to share some valuable insights to help you get the most out of your EV during hot weather.

1. The Heat Factor

Did you know that, on average, EVs lose about 15% to 20% of their range when temperatures reach 95°F (35°C)? While this is less severe than the range loss in cold weather, it's still a significant factor to consider for your daily commute or summer road trip.

2. Understanding the Impact

High temperatures affect EVs in several ways:

• Increased battery temperature reduces efficiency
• Greater rolling resistance from tires
• Higher energy demand from air conditioning use

3. What to Do About It: Smart Strategies for Hot Weather EV Use

To help you navigate the summer heat, here are some tips from our experts at Zero Impact Solutions:

—Optimize Your Parking:

• Whenever possible, park in shaded areas or garages to minimize direct sun exposure.
• Consider using sunshades for your windshield when parking outside.

—Charging Best Practices:

• Charge overnight to avoid peak heat and take advantage of potentially lower electricity rates.
• Aim for an 80% charge rather than 100% to reduce battery stress.
• If your EV has a "battery saver" mode, use it during hot weather.

—Efficient Cooling:

• Pre-cool your vehicle while it's still plugged in to reduce battery drain during your trip.
• Use seat coolers if available, as they're more efficient than cabin air conditioning.
• When possible, use windows for airflow instead of A/C.

—Mindful Driving:

• Avoid hard acceleration and sudden braking to conserve energy.
• Keep your EV light by removing unnecessary items to reduce weight.
• Properly inflate your tires to reduce rolling resistance.

—Plan Ahead:

• For longer trips, plan your route with charging stations in mind, accounting for potentially reduced range.
• If possible, schedule driving and charging during cooler parts of the day.

4. Why Thermal Management Matters

When considering an EV purchase, pay attention to the vehicle's thermal management system. Active liquid cooling systems are generally more effective in extreme temperatures than passive air-cooling systems.

At Zero Impact Solutions, we're committed to helping you make the most of your EV investment. Our turnkey EVSE services are designed to support efficient charging infrastructure, whether at work or in public spaces. By implementing these strategies and leveraging smart charging solutions, you can enjoy optimal EV performance even on the hottest summer days.

Remember, a well-maintained EV isn't just about performance – it's about sustainability. By maximizing your vehicle's efficiency, you're contributing to a greener future, which is at the heart of our mission at Zero Impact Solutions.

Stay cool and drive efficiently this summer!