Are you draining an electric car’s battery by using air-conditioner?
Hello people. This article discusses whether you are draining an electric car’s battery by using air-conditioner. Electric vehicles are still relatively new, and there is a lot of misinformation about battery range out there.
Air-conditioning system is an integral member of automotive systems because it is not only responsible for the thermal comfort of a passenger but also for the safety of the passenger, to an extent. The primary purpose of an automobile air-conditioning system is to maintain the vehicle cabin temperature and humidity at comfortable levels for a passenger.
It is also responsible for recirculation of air inside the cabin and prevention of stagnation of stale air which will consist of CO2 from the passengers, volatile organic compounds, and other particulate contaminants.
However, this system increases the energy consumption of a vehicle and influences its performance. AC can be considered as the main accessory which extracts the largest quantity of power when it is operating.
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The power necessary to operate the vehicle air-conditioning system is related to the peak cooling load generally related to the outside temperature. Li-ion battery has a good performance and gives good dynamic characteristics simultaneously for the electric vehicle propulsion system and the air-conditioning system.
A significant benefit could be achieved if the vehicle is equipped by an intelligent power management controller based on the air-conditioning system of the electric vehicle.
However, warmer weather usually means that you should pay closer attention to your vehicle to keep its battery life healthy and running smoothly. So how should you be taking care of your EV as the temperatures go up? Follow these tips to preserve your EV’s battery life.
Avoid fast charging when it’s hot outside
Combined with the high temperatures caused by the weather, your EV battery may be unnecessarily overheating if you opt for fast charging. Slow charging is the way to go instead in hot weathers.
Use the preconditioning feature
Almost every EV comes the preconditioning button. Preconditioning helps you plan ahead for any extreme weather conditions so your EV will run at the optimal temperature when you’re ready to get on the road.
Preconditioning works by adjusting the inside of an EV’s temperature to optimal levels. All you have to do is input the weather forecast into your vehicle’s mobile app and it will change its internal temperature accordingly.
If the weather is expected to be freezing cold, preconditioning will warm up the EV’s interior so that when you enter the vehicle you’ll be ready to start driving. The opposite goes for hot weather i.e., EVs will lower the temperature inside the vehicle to keep the vehicle cool before your big trip.
The battery temperature also adjusts for any temperature changes when preconditioning an EV. By using this feature, your car will run smoothly and preserve its battery life, despite the weather outside.
Park your vehicle in a shade
Electric-powered items tend to overheat and perform more poorly when they are exposed to prolonged heat, and EV batteries are similar. One of the easiest things to do for your EV when it’s hot outside is to simply park it underneath some shade.
Use less applications while you drive
When you open several applications on your phone, the device starts getting hotter and runs slower. EV batteries behave in the same way. The more background processes that run on your EV, the hotter your battery gets.
When in hot weather, it may be wise to close some of those external applications if they’re not important. Game apps, text messaging and music streaming services that are running on your EV’s software are just a few features that can be closed to save your vehicle’s battery life.
Leave the EV plugged in
When an EV is plugged in, it automatically draws upon these systems to regulate the battery’s temperature using the electricity directly from the outlet. This is a little bit different from preconditioning.
Whereas preconditioning works due to your input, thermal management systems are automatic and get activated whenever there’s a need for it.
Only charge your EV up to 80%
Electric car batteries are the same type found in electronic devices like laptops and smartphones. So, when it comes to charging, there is an optimum percentage you need to bear in mind to avoid overcharging.
Most manufacturers recommend not fully charging your electric car to 100%, otherwise the battery can get too hot. In hot weather you should only charge your electric car up to a maximum of 80%.
Use eco-mode while driving
Most electric and hybrid cars have an eco-mode driver setting that increases the efficiency of your EV. It does this by limiting the amount of power you have for electronic systems and accelerating, for example.
Because your electric car will be using more energy in the heat, making use of this mode will significantly save your EV’s range. You can then spend less time stopping at charge points to top up your batteries.
Avoid driving between noon and 3 pm
The hours between noon and 3 pm are usually the hottest, so try to avoid driving during these times. By doing the majority of your journey during the cooler parts of the day you can reduce the amount of energy your EV uses.
Extreme temperatures are known to use more of your electric car’s battery power, especially in the heat which can cause the unit to overheat and use more energy than normal.
Check your tyre pressure regularly and before any long journey
Electric cars weigh more than Internal Combustion Engine models because of their battery packs. This means you need to take extra care monitoring the tyre pressure when driving an EV.
This is especially true in the heat, where underinflated tyres can reduce efficiency. In the worst-case scenario, you could experience a blowout that threatens the safety of you and your passengers.
Hope this article on whether you are draining an electric car’s battery by using air-conditioner. To read about jobs in the Electric Vehicle Industry, please visit Job opportunities in Electric Vehicle Sector and its Charging Infrastructure industry
