Electric cars in the summer: how to best manage charging in hot weather

With the arrival of summer, planning a vacation—or even just a weekend getaway—is once again at the forefront of our minds. More and more travelers are choosing to travel sustainably by driving electric cars. There is one factor, however, that is often overlooked: the impact of high temperatures on charging times.

While it’s well known that winter cold temporarily reduces range, the sweltering summer presents a different and lesser-known challenge: thermal management during charging, especially fast charging. Understanding how the vehicle reacts to heat is the first step toward planning smart, stress-free stops.

Heat and charging: what happens to the battery?

Lithium-ion batteries generally operate more efficiently at moderate temperatures, around 20–25°C, while extreme heat can reduce charging efficiency. DuringDC fast charging, the high energy flow inevitably causes the battery’s internal temperature to rise.

When you factor in ambient temperatures of 35–40°C and the heat absorbed by the asphalt after hours of driving, the battery can overheat even further. In such cases, the management system intervenes by reducing the charging power to protect the battery.

The role of the BMS: This is where the Battery Management System(BMS)—the vehicle’s electronic brain—comes into play. To protect the cells, the BMS can automatically reduce the charging power when the battery temperature rises too high. That’s why, even when connected to an ultra-fast charging station, the car may charge more slowly than expected, especially in high heat, when the battery is already warm, or during consecutive high-power charging sessions.

The 4 Golden Rules for Summer Charging

To save time and avoid long waits in the sun, just follow these tips:

• Stop at 80%: beyond this threshold, the internal resistance of the cells increases significantly, generating additional heat. In the summer, attempting to reach 100% DC a very long time (partly due to the battery’s chemical composition) and can place additional strain on the cooling system, especially if the battery is already hot. It is much more efficient to start at 80% and, if necessary, plan for a brief stop later on.
• Pre-cool the cabin while the car is parked: leaving a parked car in the sun can cause the interior temperature to rise to over 50°C. By turning on the air conditioning via the app while the car is still connected to the charging station, the energy needed to cool the cabin will be drawn directly from the power grid, preserving the battery charge.
• Take advantage of your car’s infotainment system: many newer vehicles pre-condition the battery while driving if a charging station is set as the destination in the infotainment system. This way, the car activates the liquid cooling system in advance, arriving at the charging station at the ideal temperature to accept maximum power right from the start.
• Choose cooler times of day: if your travel plans allow, avoid charging during the hottest part of the day (between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM). Taking advantage of the cooler temperatures in the morning or evening helps the car’s cooling systems work more efficiently, ensuring a consistent charging rate.

AC DC: Which one should you choose when it's hot?

The choice of charging method has a significant impact on the vehicle's thermal management:

Choose the right infrastructure with Powy

In the summer, even the location of the charging station can make a difference. The Powy network offers a comprehensive range of solutions designed to meet every travel need:

• Fast and Ultra-Fast Stations: located along major thoroughfares and at strategic hubs for quick refueling in less than 30 minutes.
• Dedicated AC stations: located in parking lots, hotels, and shopping centers so you can charge your car in the shade while you enjoy your free time.
• Strategic charging stations: stations equipped with canopies or located in shaded areas, ideal for reducing direct sunlight on the vehicle while it is parked.

All stations in the Powy network Powy 100% renewable energy and are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure a smooth and safe charging experience.

Plan your trip with the Powy app

Traveling in electric mode during the summer months just requires a little extra planning. Withthe Powy app, it takes just a few taps to locate charging points—whether part of the Powy network Powy interoperable networks—along your route, check connector availability in real time, and filter stations based on your desired charging power.

Whether it’s a super-fast DC top-up DC your lunch break or an AC charge AC your hotel for the night, you’ll always find the solution that’s right for you.

Understanding how your car performs and planning your stops using a reliable charging network allows you to optimize your charging times and travel without any unexpected issues. At Powy , we Powy every day to make electric mobility increasingly accessible, efficient, and sustainable.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Charging Electric Cars in the Summer

How much do heat and air conditioning affect battery life and charging times?

Electric cars can be used comfortably in all seasons. Modern electric cars have increasingly longer ranges (often over 400 km on a single charge), and the charging network in Europe is expanding rapidly. In summer, heat can increase charging times by 10–20% due to battery thermal management, and heavy use of air conditioning can reduce range by 15–25%. With careful route planning and the help of dedicated apps, you can easily locate charging stations along the way and travel with complete peace of mind. Additionally, many tourist facilities offer on-site charging, making every stop an opportunity to recharge your car.

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About Powy

Powy a company that owns, develops, and manages Italy's leading independent network of public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.

Founded in Turin, Italy in 2018, Powy is at the center of the transition to more sustainable mobility, offering an innovative charging infrastructure that uses only 100 percent renewable energy.

Powy 's network includes quick, fast, and ultra-fast charging solutions strategically placed in public and private parking lots, supermarkets, shopping malls, and transportation hubs to ensure maximum convenience and accessibility for EV drivers. Each station is equipped with advanced technologies to provide a reliable and efficient charging experience.

Learn more: wpowy.energy