E-Car Range in Heat: Optimal at 30 Degrees, Loss 3–8 Percent

Range drops above 35 degrees

At even higher temperatures, the battery must be actively cooled. „Bei noch höheren Temperaturen muss die Batterie allerdings gekühlt werden, was dann auch Reichweite kosten kann“, warns the BEÖ Chairman. If the cell temperature rises above 40 to 45 degrees Celsius during charging, the battery management system intervenes: it reduces the charging power and activates thermal control to protect the battery.

The interior air conditioning also takes its toll in the heat. Depending on the outside temperature and the selected temperature, it draws around 1 to 3 kilowatts of power according to available data – electricity that is not available for the drive while driving.

Tips for summer and heatwaves

Helmut-Klaus Schimany, Chairman of the Bundesverband eMobility-Austria, adds another aspect: the charging infrastructure. Fast charging stations are indeed equipped with cooling systems, but „bei extremer Hitze können einzelne Ladepunkte ihre maximale Leistung leicht reduzieren, um Leistungselektronik und Kabel vor Überhitzung zu schützen. Das kommt vor, ist aber eher die Ausnahme“, said Schimany to APA.

BEÖ therefore recommends offsetting heat-related range losses through changes in behavior. „Schnellladen in direkter Sonne sollte vermieden werden, besser sind schattige Standorte oder kühlere Tageszeiten“, according to the association. When charging itself: „Wir empfehlen, möglichst schonend zu laden, idealerweise zwischen 20 und 80 Prozent."

Many modern electric cars now offer a function that deliberately brings the battery into its ideal temperature window on the way to a charging station saved in the navigation system. This shortens charging time and reduces stress on the battery.

E-bikes suffer particularly

In addition to cars, e-bikes are also affected by the heat problem – if for different reasons. As reported by Bayerischer Rundfunk, e-bike batteries age faster in the summer heat. E-bikes generally do not have sophisticated thermal management, which is why users should take particular care with the battery.

Specifically, experts advise parking the e-bike in the shade and letting a strongly heated battery cool down before charging. Visibly damaged batteries – for example with cracks, leaking fluid, or a swollen casing – must on no account be put back into operation. They pose a safety risk and should be disposed of properly.

Overall, the data shows: the optimal performance of e-cars is in the range around 30 degrees. Those who observe a few basic rules in extreme heat – shaded parking spots, gentle charging between 20 and 80 percent, and anticipatory climate control – can preserve range and battery life even in midsummer.

The heatwave in Austria affects people and animals alike. „Während Menschen und Tiere in Österreich unter der Hitzewelle ächzen, laufen E-Autos zur Hochform auf", APA summarizes the situation.