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HomeCarsElectric car batteries put to the test by summer heat

Electric car batteries put to the test by summer heat

High summer temperatures have a significant impact on the performance of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles, leading to a reduction in their range. This phenomenon raises questions about the adaptability of this technology to extreme weather conditions.

Increased sensitivity to extreme temperatures

Electric vehicles have established themselves as an environmentally friendly alternative on the European automotive market. However, certain technical aspects, in particular the reliability of lithium-ion batteries and their autonomy, continue to raise questions among drivers. The arrival of the first summer heat waves highlights an additional problem linked to these accumulators.

Electric cars are particularly sensitive to extreme temperatures. While last winter saw images of vehicles stranded on European roads due to freezing temperatures, heat is proving to be just as, if not more, damaging to these vehicles.

Lithium-ion batteries have an increased risk of flammability when exposed to very high temperatures. Additionally, prolonged exposure to extreme conditions can result in significant loss of battery life.

The measurable impact of heat on autonomy

A study conducted by Heatmap has highlighted the real effects of high temperatures on electric car batteries. Interestingly, extreme cold is not beneficial for these vehicles either.

The first effects on autonomy are felt from 26ยฐC, with a reduction of up to 2.8%. When the mercury rises to 32ยฐC, the loss of autonomy reaches 5%. Concretely, for a vehicle with a range of 320 km, this represents a loss of 16 km at 32ยฐC.

The situation is rapidly worsening as temperatures rise:

  • At 35ยฐC, the loss of autonomy reaches 15%
  • At 37ยฐC, it rises to 31% to maintain an interior temperature of 21ยฐC with air conditioning
  • It is important to note that these figures are indicative and may vary depending on several factors, such as the state of health of the battery, the additional heat released by the road, or even the air conditioning setting.

    The challenge of air conditioning

    The air conditioning system plays a crucial role in this issue. The greater the difference between the outside and inside temperatures, the more effort the car has to make, which directly impacts the autonomy.

    Paradoxically, the study shows that the loss of autonomy is generally greater in winter. This is explained by the fact that the temperature difference between the passenger compartment and the outside is often greater in winter (0ยฐC outside and 21ยฐC inside) than in summer (35ยฐC outside and 21ยฐC inside).

    Long-term consequences for batteries

    Beyond the immediate impact on range, high temperatures can also accelerate the degradation of lithium-ion battery components. In response, drivers are starting to adopt techniques to extend the life of their batteries, such as avoiding charging them to 100% or letting them discharge completely.

    Some models appear to be more sensitive than others to extreme temperatures. The Volkswagen ID4 and Ford Mustang Mach-E, for example, have recorded range losses of up to 30% in winter conditions.

    Towards a technological adaptation

    These observations highlight the need for automakers to develop solutions to optimize the performance of lithium-ion batteries in varying climate conditions. This could involve improving battery thermal management systems or developing new energy storage technologies that are less sensitive to temperature variations.

    In the meantime, drivers of electric vehicles must remain vigilant and adapt their use according to weather conditions. Careful planning of journeys, taking into account potential losses of autonomy linked to heat, is essential, particularly during long summer journeys.

    Despite these challenges, it is important to remember that electric vehicles continue to make rapid progress in terms of performance and autonomy. The issues related to extreme temperatures, while real, do not call into question the long-term environmental and economic benefits of this technology.

    SRQ Backlot