Tips to keep your electric car in perfect shape this summer

If you have any questions about how to take care of your electric vehicle during vacation, we’ll give you a series of tips so you can enjoy the summer season behind the wheel worry-free.

Summer is synonymous with vacations and driving, as it is one of the most common ways of reaching our destination. In fact, the DGT expects that during the months of July and August there will be more than 94 million long-distance trips on Spanish roads. Additionally, many of these trips will be made with alternative fuel vehicles. 

That's when questions arise about their maintenance. At Planet Energy, we have prepared a short guide of aspects to take into account so that your electric or hybrid vehicle doesn't suffer this summer and you can enjoy a well-deserved rest worry-free. 

1. Get your car tuned up

Just like with combustion vehicles, before a long journey it is essential to review your car and make sure it's ready to go. In addition to the oil and coolant levels and brakes, both the pads and the fluid (although in electric cars they tend to wear down less thanks to the regenerative pedal), it is important to check that all lights are working—including the headlights, brake lights, high beams, fog lights, and turn signals—as well as the seat belts and airbags. Watch out for any cracks or damage on the windshield. 

It is essential to check the pressure and condition of the tires, as an electric car is heavier due to the battery. Experts recommend changing them every 10,000 kilometers. Also, don't forget to check the vehicle’s general electrical system, the condition of the battery and charging cable, as well as the heating and cooling system and that the software is up to date. 

2. Avoid parking in the sun

The battery in electric cars can withstand up to 49 degrees without any issues. If that limit is exceeded, it could suffer damage, according to experts. Whenever possible, try to park in the shade, a parking lot, or a garage so that the high temperatures do not wreak havoc. 

If you are not going to use it for a long period of time, AEDIVE recommends parking it in a garage or using a protective cover if it will be outdoors. It is also advisable to avoid having the battery fully charged or completely discharged: leaving it at around 50% is a good option. 

3. Charging and planning

Your electric car's battery should always be between 20% and 80%. Avoid draining the battery and charge your vehicle before it drops below that 20%. Similarly, it does not need to be at 100%, especially on those short summer journeys, such as going to the beach. In addition, there are vehicles that have timers that allow you to set a limit so that it is not charging for too long, even when connected to the power source. It is also important to note the importance of good planning; not only when planning your route and stops for recharging, but also for accommodations. Many of them already have the necessary infrastructure and, if not, electric charging networks are starting to have sufficient penetration so that you shouldn’t have problems in this regard.

In summer, when the heat is intense, it is advisable to use battery pre-conditioning while it is still charging to temper the battery by drawing power from the electrical grid instead of the electric vehicle’s own range. Taking advantage of the lunch break to recharge the vehicle is a good option, as well as trying to drive during the cooler hours. 

4. Temperature and air conditioning

To drive comfortably and safely, the DGT recommends that the temperature inside the vehicle be between 21 and 23 degrees. This temperature also helps prevent the car from overheating. Given that air conditioning directly affects your electric vehicle’s range, it is recommended that before leaving, you turn on the AC to cool the vehicle while it is still plugged in to prevent it from draining the battery. If your car is parked and not connected to a charging point, it is always better to lower the windows and drive the first few meters with the air conditioning turned off. 

5. Efficient driving

The more efficient your driving is, the longer the range of your electric vehicle will last. Some tips in this section are to maintain a constant speed, avoiding sudden braking and acceleration, as well as using the Eco mode. Likewise, we recommend deactivating the regenerative braking system on highways.