By Kunal Arya
India’s expanding electric vehicle (EV) market comes against the background of a fast-shifting climate. Last year, nation experienced record temperatures, with severe heatwaves sweeping across much of northern and central India. Temperatures reached above 50 degrees Celsius in various parts of the country, sparking questions over the long-term battery life of EVs. Lithium-ion batteries, which power most electric vehicles, are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat.
While the manufacturers spend a lot on thermal management systems, the heat can still impair batteries, cutting efficiency by as much as 15 percent. With India aiming at 30 percent of EV sales by 2030, improving battery performance during hot weather is essential to make electric mobility a success in the long run in India.
Causes Of Battery Degradation
There are various reasons why extreme heat threatens EV batteries in India. The main factors are:
Temperature Sensitivity: Lithium-ion batteries are very sensitive to heat. They’re optimised to function best in temperatures of up to 35 degrees Celsius, but when the temperatures exceed that, the chemical processes within the battery accelerate, resulting in more rapid wear and tear. The constant high-temperature exposure Indian summers bring can even reduce the life of the battery by years. Moreover, heat-induced battery failures can even cause grave safety concerns — since 2020, up to 83 cases of EVs catching fire have been reported in Karnataka alone.
Frequent Fast Charging: Urban conditions, where fast charging is common, have added challenges. Fast charging creates high heat as the battery pulls high voltage over a short duration, increasing the internal temperature. When this occurs under hot weather conditions, it increases the risk of battery failure.
Heavy Usage Under High Temperatures: EVs are subjected to heavy loads in Indian cities, be it carrying full passenger occupancy or cargo. This, combined with driving through congested traffic in high temperatures, causes undue stress on the battery. Heavy usage under such conditions lowers battery efficiency considerably and speeds up degradation, making it more difficult for EV owners to achieve optimal performance.
Smart Solutions To Protect Your EV Battery
To protect EV batteries from the harsh Indian heat and extend their lifespan, consumers can take several proactive steps:
Parking in Cooler or Shaded Locations: Wherever possible, park your EV in the shade. Exposure to direct sunlight brings about high temperatures that lead to battery degradation. Park in shady spots or garages, particularly on hot mid-day times.
Reduce Overloading: Overloading your electric vehicle with passengers or loads will add stress on the battery, especially during hot temperatures. The more load, the more the battery will have to work, consequently, increasing its temperature and accelerating wear. When summer weather warms up, avoid overloading your battery with unnecessary weight, over the recommended car load capacity.
Limit Fast Charging: Fast charging may be a time-saving feature, but excessive usage can produce a lot of heat. In hot weather conditions, it’s ideal to limit fast charging frequency. Use standard or slow charging as much as possible to minimise the internal heat produced during charging.
Monitor and Maintain Battery Health: Many EVs are equipped with built-in battery monitoring systems that provide real-time data on temperature, efficiency, and health. Regularly check these readings, especially during hot seasons, to ensure your battery is performing within safe parameters. If temperatures rise too high, it might be time to let the vehicle cool before continuing to drive or charge.
Plan Drives During Cooler Hours: To shield your EV’s battery from the scorching midday sun, plan your drives during cooler hours of the day. Early morning or late evening provide lower ambient temperatures, which are less stressful on your battery.
(The authors is the Co Founder & Managing Director at ZELIO E Mobility Ltd)
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