Summer holidays mean road trips, and in much of India they also mean intense heat. EVs handle summer driving well, with a few adjustments to planning.
How heat affects your EV
- Air-conditioning uses energy, so range is lower than on mild days.
- Hot batteries charge more slowly as the car protects them, especially at fast chargers.
- Parking in the sun heats the cabin and battery.
Before you go
- Plan stops with a bigger buffer than usual.
- Precool the cabin while the car is still plugged in, so you start cool using grid energy.
- Check tyre pressure; heat and load affect it.
- Choose charging stops with shade, food and washrooms.
On the road
- Set the air-conditioning to a comfortable, not icy, temperature.
- Drive at steady, moderate speeds; high speed uses much more energy.
- Use shaded or covered charging bays when available.
- Expect slower fast charging in the afternoon heat, and plan longer breaks then.
- Drink water and take breaks; driver comfort matters too.
Early morning and evening driving is cooler for you and your battery, and charging stations are often quieter too.
See also road trip planning and charging in extreme weather.