ELECTRIC car drivers’ biggest fear tends to be stranded with a dead battery in the middle of the road.
This worry ramps up during long trips on those hot summer days especially when you want to blast the AC.
Will using the air con drain the battery in my electric car?
Heating and air conditioning are the two factors that drain the battery the most in an electric car.
Using the air con can reduce the range of your battery by 17%, motor according to Nationwide Vehicle Contracts.
The air con is already constantly in use by the car itself, reducing its energy by 11%.
This is because the air con is responsible for maintaining the temperature across the car.
Air con throughout the car is important because it prevents any stagnation of stale air.
It is also important for the car’s components, especially during long journeys in hot weather.
You do not want your EV components to overheat and risk damaging your car or failing in the middle of the road.
What is preconditioning?
Nationwide Vehicle Contracts suggested using preconditioning, which is a feature most electric cars will have.
Preconditioning allows you to cool the vehicle before you head off on a long journey.
It is best to apply this feature when the car is charging overnight, so that way you won’t be taking any energy from your battery life.
Instead, it’ll be taken from the main charging source.
What is the best way to use air con in an electric car?
The best way to use air con in your electric car is by putting it in the air-recirculation mode rather than fresh-air mode.
This mode uses 15% less energy, and as a result, your battery life wouldn’t be hit with a drastic decrease.
The air-recirculation mode was created to reduce the energy consumption in an electric car but keep the inside of the vehicle fresh and clean.
It is also advised that drivers check their EV batteries during hot spells.
Lithium-ion batteries best operate between 20-25C.
However, in higher temperatures heat can potentially damage the battery and even reduce the range of the car.
One way to counteract this is by moving your vechile to a shady parking spot.
Car experts also recommend charging EVs early in the morning, late evening, or overnight if temperatures get too high.
Halford's tips to keeping your air conditioning cool
Halfords suggests two things in order to keep your air conditioning cool.
Firstly, drivers should keep their windows closed and cool the inside of their car with air coming through the AC.
Secondly, drivers should make sure the air conditioning system is clean.
The best way to do all this is take your car to a garage.