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Do electric cars not work in hot weather?
I recently bought a new car, and it’s electric! I live in a pretty warm climate (the desert) and I’m wondering what effect the weather will have on my vehicle. Do electric cars not work in hot weather?
Marlee John · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Congrats on your purchase! Electric cars do work in hot weather, they just be more prone to overheating.
Electric cars
run on an electric motor as opposed to the internal combustion engines in a gas-powered vehicle. EV batteries are picky with their temperature preference: they operate best within a temperature range of 59 to 95° degrees Fahrenheit (15-35° Celsius). In severe cold, they lose driving range, and in severe heat, they could have a meltdown. If we’re being honest, it sounds a bit like us humans!
Though EV batteries prefer to be warm, they don’t like being too warm. There is a thermal regulation system in electric vehicles, but the higher external temperatures still increase the batteries’ risk of overheating.
Overheating can significantly damage the battery and cause it to malfunction and shorten its overall lifespan. Studies have shown that hot climates can decrease battery health faster than temperate climates.
Here are three tips to maintain battery health:
- Park your car in the shade whenever possible.
- Don’t overuse AC. Use it when you need it, but maybe try balancing it with open windows when you can.
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