By Kyle Stock | Bloomberg
The relationship between electric vehicles (EVs) and extreme heat is a paradox that highlights the challenges of combating climate change. While EVs are great for the environment, they struggle to perform optimally in hot climates. As heat waves become more frequent and intense in various US states, this issue is being brought to the forefront.
While high temperatures don’t render battery-powered vehicles useless, they do pose a threat to the long-term health of EV batteries. In extreme heat, the ions in car batteries become more active, leading to difficulties in attaching to the anode or cathode. The pressure and speed can also cause small cracks, reducing the battery’s usable life.
This phenomenon occurs to some extent during fast-charging cycles, such as using a Tesla Supercharger. However, on exceptionally hot days, the ions in an EV battery remain active even when the car is not in use or plugged in, permanently impacting the range.
According to Scott Case, CEO of Recurrent, a startup that provides battery health reports for EV customers and dealers, the worst-case scenario is a car left unattended in a Phoenix garage throughout the summer without being plugged in. This can rapidly degrade the battery. However, simply plugging the car in can help maintain battery coolness by utilizing charging power.
In addition to extreme heat, cold weather also affects EV batteries. In colder temperatures, the chemical reactions within the battery slow down, resulting in reduced charge capacity. However, these losses are temporary, as the battery’s full function can be restored in spring. In contrast, excessive heat can permanently limit the maximum range of an EV.
As EV adoption continues to rise alongside increasing temperatures, drivers worldwide need to familiarize themselves with best practices for maintaining battery life. Notably, some of the highest levels of EV adoption in the US are found in hot states such as California, Florida, Texas, Arizona, and Georgia. Fortunately, proper care and attention can mitigate nature’s impact on battery performance.
Skyler Williams, an entrepreneur based in Austin, Texas, underscores the importance of seeking shade during hot Texas summers to protect his Rivian R1S. He also adheres to other recommended practices, such as charging at fast stations only when necessary, keeping the truck plugged in while parked in the garage, avoiding charging the battery above 80%, and using the Rivian app to cool the interior on hot days. As a result, after nearly a year, Williams’ car has not experienced any range degradation, which is promising for future resale value.
Battery health is increasingly becoming a critical consideration in the EV market, leading to efforts to quantify it accurately. Cox Automotive Inc., for example, is working on a proprietary score to measure battery longevity. As Stephanie Valdez Streaty, Director of Strategic Planning at Cox Automotive Inc. explains, this is essential for potential buyers of used EVs who require transparency regarding battery health.
Meanwhile, Recurrent is already ahead in this field. The company collects battery metrics from over 17,000 EVs enrolled in its service three times a day. By analyzing estimated range, state of charge, odometer readings, and even capturing data while a vehicle is charging, Recurrent can quickly assign a battery health score to each EV. This score takes into account factors like climate impact and usage habits, ensuring a more accurate representation of the battery’s condition.
Manufacturers are now facing accountability for the longevity of their EV batteries, as consumers begin valuing overall range, charging speed, cost, and battery life. In California, regulators are even considering a proposal that would mandate battery health measurements for all EVs sold. Presently, dealerships in hot climates are among Recurrent’s top customers, as the difference between actual range and the EPA-certified range is more pronounced in these regions.
In conclusion, addressing the impact of extreme temperatures on EV batteries is crucial for the widespread adoption and success of electric vehicles. Manufacturers, regulators, and drivers must all play a role in ensuring the long-term health and performance of EV batteries, ultimately advancing the transition to a sustainable transportation future.
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