Heat Wave: What Dangers for Electric Cars, Their Batteries, and Their Range?
- Published on 22/06/2026 18:07
With temperatures exceeding 40°C, electric car drivers are questioning the consequences of the heat wave.
As France goes through another heat wave, electric car owners are wondering whether the high temperatures can affect their vehicle’s performance. Battery, range, charging: what are the real risks when the thermometer skyrockets?
According to Solal Botbol, co-founder and CEO of Beev, a French expert in electric mobility, the immediate effects of heat are generally limited. Contrary to popular belief, air conditioning only leads to a moderate decrease in range. “Air conditioning typically consumes between 1 and 2 kW, which translates to about 5 to 10 km of range for every 100 km driven”, he explains.
Batteries and heat
The main concern is more about the lithium-ion battery. Beyond 30°C, internal chemical reactions accelerate, which can promote long-term aging. However, car manufacturers have largely anticipated this issue with increasingly efficient thermal management systems. Models equipped with liquid cooling are particularly capable of maintaining the battery within its optimal temperature range, even during extreme heat episodes.
Charging an electric car can also be impacted. During a heat wave, the vehicle or the charging station may automatically reduce the power delivered to avoid overheating. The result: a charge that may take a bit longer, but poses no particular risk to safety.
To preserve battery range and longevity, a few simple actions are recommended: park in the shade, favor trips early in the morning or in the evening, avoid sudden accelerations, and ventilate the cabin before turning on the air conditioning.
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If the heat wave represents a challenge for batteries, modern electric cars today have the necessary technology to withstand high temperatures. With a few precautions, it is indeed possible to drive calmly even when temperatures exceed 35°C.
ALSO READ: Heat Wave: Should a penalty be imposed on dark cars?
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This page is translated from the original post "Canicule : quels dangers pour les voitures électriques, leur batterie et leur autonomie ?" in French.
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