Electric car in summer: how autonomy changes and when to recharge the battery

When summer arrives, the question arises spontaneously: how much does the range of an electric car change in the heat? The summer climate, in fact, affects both the behavior of the battery and the charging methods. The range of the electric car can vary significantly, not only due to intensive use of the air conditioner but also because high temperatures put stress on the vehicle's cooling system and thermal management.

In this article, we will see what really happens to the batteries of electric cars in summer, when it's best to recharge, how to protect the vehicle, and we will debunk some myths. Because yes, summer can also be an ally of electric mobility if you know how to manage it.

Summer and electric mobility: what changes?

When temperatures rise, mobility changes. For electric cars, the main factors to consider are:

• Increased use of air conditioning

• More active battery cooling

• Possible reductions or fluctuations in real range
  
  

The use of the air conditioner is one of the first variables that affects consumption. Just as it happens with combustion engines, where it is often said that “the air conditioning consumes gasoline”, in electric cars the air conditioning also has a direct impact on range. But there is an important difference: the efficiency of air conditioning systems in EVs is generally higher, thanks to the ability to manage cooling more intelligently.

Furthermore, compared to winter, summer does not necessitate heating the cabin or the battery, activities that can reduce range by 30% or more. Therefore, if well managed, electric mobility in summer can be more efficient.

Charging electric cars in summer: when and how to do it?

One of the most frequent questions is: when to recharge the electric car in summer? The answer is simple: when it’s cooler.

The main tips:

• Night charging: during the night, temperatures drop, helping battery cooling systems to work better. This improves efficiency and reduces wear.

• Avoid the hottest hours: between 12 and 5 PM, the heat can slow down charging and put stress on the battery pack.

• If possible, charge in the shade: if you use a home wallbox, consider a covered or shaded charging station. If you are traveling, prefer charging points in shaded or indoor areas.

• Solar: those with a solar system can take advantage of generation during peak hours for charging. But beware of overheating: consider using storage systems or smart charging.
  
  
  

Electric car battery and heat: how to protect it

The battery of electric cars is the heart of the vehicle and works hard in summer. High temperatures accelerate internal chemical processes, increasing the risk of degradation. However, modern EVs are designed to handle these conditions.

How do electric cars cool down?

Most models adopt active liquid cooling systems, which regulate the temperature of the battery pack through sensors and thermal management algorithms. These systems are much more advanced than the early electric models and ensure performance even above 35°C.

However, it is good practice:

• Avoid rapid charging at high temperatures

• Do not leave the car in the sun for hours with the battery at 100%

• Use smart charging modes to limit power if it’s too hot

Electric car range in summer: does it increase or decrease?

The electric car range in summer can surprisingly improve. Unlike winter, where the cold penalizes efficiency, with heat (within certain limits), batteries may even perform better.

However, several factors can reduce real range:

• Intensive use of the air conditioner

• Urban traffic with continuous stop & go

• Constant activation of the cooling system
  
  

What can be done to optimize range?

• Precondition the cabin before departure, if possible from a plug

• Use the air conditioner's “Eco” mode

• Drive smoothly, without sudden accelerations

• Check tire pressure (which can vary with heat)

Myths and realities: are electric cars really not the future?

This is a strong assertion, but the data says otherwise. Global EV sales are steadily increasing, and technologies improve year after year. The issues of the electric car in summer are minimal compared to the benefits in terms of:

• Reduced local emissions

• Lower refueling costs

• Greater energy efficiency
  
  

Compared to ICE vehicles, EVs are less prone to mechanical issues related to heat, such as overheating of the engine or oil. And cooling is often more efficient.

Pros and cons of electric cars in summer

Advantages:

• No starting issues

• Stable (or improved) range compared to winter

• Active battery cooling

• Ability to use solar energy for charging
  
  
  

Issues with electric cars in summer:

• Slower charging at high temperatures

• Thermal stress for batteries not well-cooled

• Defects in electric cars such as temporary power reduction for thermal protection

• Difficulty finding shaded charging points in some tourist areas

Electric cars in summer require a bit more attention, but they can also deliver excellent performance if managed properly. Find out how to choose the most suitable wallbox for summer or visit our blog for more useful tips on electric mobility.

FAQ - Electric cars and heat

When is the best time to charge the electric car battery?

The best time to charge an EV in summer is at night or early in the morning, when temperatures are lower. This allows the battery to charge under optimal conditions, reducing thermal stress and extending the life of the system. In addition, many public charging stations are less crowded during these times, allowing for quicker charging. If you have a photovoltaic system, consider charging during peak solar hours but at a moderate power with good ventilation.

What are the challenges of electric cars in summer?

The main challenges of electric cars in summer involve thermal management. Heat can reduce power during charging to protect the battery from possible damage. In extreme cases, temporary performance slowdowns can occur. However, with proper use and smart managed charging, these situations remain rare.

Another real challenge concerns infrastructure: finding well-positioned and shaded charging points can be difficult, especially in some tourist areas.

How do EV batteries cool down in the heat?

Modern electric car batteries use liquid cooling or active/passive mixed systems. When the internal battery temperature exceeds certain limits, sensors activate a cooling circuit that circulates a thermally conductive liquid, thereby reducing the temperature. Some models can even pre-cool the battery if they know that a rapid charging session is coming. This system allows for high performance even with 40°C external temperatures, but requires extra energy and a good vehicle design.