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High temperatures in the summer pose specific challenges not only for people but also for vehicles. Drivers of electric or hybrid vehicles should keep a few things in mind – especially regarding range, battery preservation and charging on the go.We’ll show you how to get the most out of your electric or hybrid vehicle during the summer heat – and how UTA eCharge® can help you keep a cool head when you’re on the road.
How heat affects electric cars and hybrids
Unlike in cold weather, where range often drops significantly, heat is generally less critical for the battery, yet can still affect the battery’s lifespan, especially at high temperatures (>37°) and with frequent fast charging.
Effects of summer heat include:
- Air conditioning increases power consumption
- Thermal management systems work harder
Tips for electric car drivers on hot days
Tip 1. Park in the shade or pre-cool the car
Avoid direct sunlight to protect the interior and the battery, and to save energy for the air conditioning when you get back in. In modern vehicles, use the pre-cooling function via the app, ideally while the car is still plugged in.
Tip 2. Don’t keep your battery charged at 100 % all the time
In extreme heat, it’s recommended to charge the battery to only about 80–90 % in everyday use. This reduces thermal stress and preserves battery life.
Tip 3. Start with a cool cabin
Use Eco modes and a proactive driving style to keep power consumption and heat generation to a minimum.
Tip 4. Use air conditioning efficiently
Don’t set the air conditioning unnecessarily cold. Often, 22–24°C in recirculation mode is enough for a comfortable ride, and it doesn’t use too much energy.
With UTA eCharge, you’ll always find the best charging option
With the UTA eCharge app, you have access to over 1 million charging points across Europe. Simply find the nearest charging point and charge via the app, map or integrated vehicle services.
Benefits of using UTA eCharge on the road include:
- Find charging stations in real time, including availability and charging power
- Smart route planning with recommended charging stops
- Transparent billing and an overview of your charging sessions
- Plan charging for hot weather – e.g., at shaded charging stations, hotels or shopping centres
With UTA eCharge, you stay flexible and safe on the road, without any range anxiety.
Bonus tip: It’s not just your car that needs cooling
As a driver, you should also seek shade when it’s hot, drink plenty of fluids, and charge sooner rather than later. That way, you and your electric vehicle will stay cool.
Bottom line: Heat wave? No problem with the right charging habits
With a little planning, efficient driving and the right charging infrastructure, temperatures of 35°C and higher are no obstacle to everyday life with an electric car. Especially on longer trips, it pays to have a reliable partner by your side with UTA Edenred.
Charge smarter today – with UTA eCharge.
