EV driver warning – how hot temperatures can seriously damage your car’s battery

DRIVERS have been warned that hot summer temperatures could seriously damage their car’s battery.

Lithium-ion batteries found in EVs do not react well to extreme temperatures, and it can lead to a reduced lifespan.

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Handily, car experts at LeaseElectricCar have offered drivers some advice on how to best look after their EVs during the summer months.

Tim Alcock, head of online at LeaseElectricCar, told the Daily Express:

“It’s best to get into these habits to preserve your electric car battery and help extend its lifespan, instead of leaving it to overheat and run the risk of deteriorating the battery.

“Drivers should be mindful about parking in the shade, especially during the hottest hours of the day, or park inside a garage.”

LeaseElectricCar also mention that rapid charging could wear out the battery at a quicker rate.

“Only charging up to 80 per cent during the summer can stop cell degradation – where the battery loses the capacity to reach a full charge again.”

Drivers may naturally want to plug in their vehicles after parking up, but in the hot weather it’s recommended to let EVs cool down for a couple of hours before charging.

To help extend the battery’s life, waiting until the temperature regulates again is an important factor.

Another potential concern was highlighted by research that shows turning on an EV’s air-con system can reduce overall range by up to 15% – a real problem if you’re on a longer summer road trip.

The advice is to only use the AC when it’s really necessary, and perhaps keep the windows down to help.

This comes after a driver revealed a genius app that can help you avoid being charged by car rental companies for damage you didn’t actually cause.

Plus, drivers have been warned that they could be breaking the law if they passed their driving test before 2014.