If you’re shopping for a car that will cut your fuel costs significantly, looking at Hyundai electric cars is a bright idea. But, because we live in a hot area, it’s essential to know how to keep your EV in great shape no matter how high the mercury climbs. Here, Keyes Hyundai covers what you need to know about protecting the battery.
How Intense Heat Affects Batteries
EVs have many advantages over gas-powered cars, but they aren’t immune to temperature extremes. They are more prone to overheating because hot temperatures cause the electrons in a lithium-ion battery to move slower, which reduces the power it can create. Plus, there is no combustion engine to disperse heat, so it’s harder for the battery to cool down quickly and efficiently.
The 85-Degree Mark
When things start heating up, it’s important to be wary of 85 degrees. This is when batteries start struggling. While many EVs now come with thermal management systems to prevent batteries from getting too hot, these may only begin working when the car is on or plugged in.
Safeguarding Your Battery
Keeping the battery in your Hyundai car cool isn’t tricky; it just takes some planning.
- First, you should try to park your vehicle in the shade, air-conditioned garage, or the shadiest place you can find in the parking lot.
- You should also try not to charge your car during the day; charging off-peak saves money and is also easier on your vehicle’s battery pack.
- Using a fast-charging station when it’s sweltering outdoors will cause your battery to age and degrade prematurely.
Contact Keyes Hyundai to Learn More About Electric Vehicles
Whether you’re shopping for a new EV or learning how to care for the one you already have, contact our Hyundai dealership in Van Nuys, CA. Our staff is always here to help you get the most from every drive.
