Beware of overheating: four tips to protect your electric car from extreme heat

Les fortes chaleurs peuvent détériorer la batterie de votre voiture électrique. deepblue4you/Getty Images

In summer, when it is very hot, you have to be vigilant with your electric car and take good care of it so that it does not overheat. This is important so that it remains efficient and does not harm its longevity. Here are some practical tips for protecting your vehicle from the harmful effects of the sun.

Just like with your smartphone, you must take care to protect your electric car from high heat, through simple but essential actions.

Park in the shade

Once stopped, always remember to park in the shade to cool the engine and the passenger compartment, even for a few minutes. In fact, prolonged exposure to the intense heat of the sun can accelerate the degradation of your battery cells. If this is not possible, consider using a protective cover or sunshade to reduce the effect of the rays in the passenger compartment.

Preconditioning the passenger compartment

Many electric cars have a pre-conditioning function that cools or heats the cabin before you start driving. In summer, don't hesitate to overdo it to cool your car. The ideal is even to do this while it is still plugged in, so that it does not harm the battery life. If your car does not have this feature, remember to open the windows and start driving for a few minutes in this configuration before turning on the air conditioning.

Prioritize nighttime charging

Recharge your battery add heat to the ambient one. It is therefore strongly recommended to recharge it during the coolest hours, i.e. at night. By recharging it during the day, you again risk damaging your battery a little more.

Wash your car

Dust and dirt accumulated on the bodywork also increase the temperature inside the car. Regular washing will not only limit this effect, but also instantly refresh it.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your electric car remains efficient and reliable throughout the summer, despite the high temperatures. Finally, inside, you should also take care of the driver and passengers, remembering to take essential accessories with you (sunglasses, caps, towels, misters, fans and cooler).