Precautions for Driving New Energy Electric Vehicles in High – Temperature Days

As the southern regions are about to welcome the summer, the weather is getting hotter day by day. With the arrival of high – temperature days, new energy electric vehicle owners need to be aware of several important precautions to ensure the safe and efficient operation of their vehicles. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

1. Parking and Storage

1.1 Avoiding Sun Exposure

New energy electric vehicles are best not to be parked and stored under the intense sun in high – temperature weather. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can have a significant impact on various components of the vehicle. The battery, for example, is highly sensitive to temperature. High – temperature exposure can accelerate the aging of the battery cells, leading to a reduction in battery capacity and overall performance. The interior of the vehicle can also be severely affected. The heat can cause the dashboard, seats, and other interior materials to fade, crack, or deform. Therefore, it is advisable to park the vehicle in a shaded and well – ventilated area. Parking garages, under trees, or in shaded parking lots are ideal choices. If such options are not available, using a sunshade cover can provide some protection against the sun’s rays.

2. Charging Precautions

2.1 Temperature – related Charging Restrictions

Charging in high – temperature environments should be strictly prohibited. When the vehicle is charging, the battery is undergoing chemical reactions, and these reactions generate heat. If the surrounding temperature is already high, it can lead to overheating of the battery, which poses a serious safety risk and can also damage the battery. The charging environment should be kept cool, and the charging cable should be placed in a well – ventilated and shaded area to prevent overheating. It is important to note that charging in a closed space is not allowed as it can trap heat and increase the risk of fire. Once the vehicle is fully charged, the charging cable should be promptly disconnected to avoid over – charging, which can also cause battery damage.

When the ambient temperature exceeds 45 degrees Celsius, charging should be suspended. After driving, the vehicle should be allowed to stand for at least 30 minutes before charging. This allows the battery and other components to cool down to a safe temperature. Regarding the charging equipment, the on – board charging gun must be matched with a 4 – square – millimeter 16 – ampere wire, and a ground wire is essential for safety. An air switch should be installed at the power source for protection. During the charging process, first connect the charging gun to the vehicle base and then turn on the power. After charging is complete, reverse the operation sequence (except for fast – charging, where the operation should follow the prompts on the LCD screen of the fast – charging pile).

3. Component Temperature Management

3.1 Monitoring and Responding to Overheating Signals

When the components of the vehicle, such as the battery, motor, and electronic control system, become overheated, their performance is likely to decline. If the overheating warning lights for these components are illuminated, immediate action is required. The first step is to reduce the load on the vehicle. This can be achieved by driving at a lower speed, avoiding sudden acceleration and deceleration, and reducing the use of high – power electrical equipment. Parking the vehicle in a cool place to allow it to cool down is also crucial. After a period of rest, when the components return to normal temperature, the vehicle can be driven again.

However, if the warning lights remain on and there are symptoms such as insufficient motor power and abnormal noises, it is highly recommended to contact the service station for a comprehensive inspection. These issues may indicate more serious problems, such as component failures or malfunctions in the cooling system, which require professional diagnosis and repair.

4. Brake System Maintenance

4.1 Preventing Brake Overheating and Deterioration

In high – temperature weather, the brake system is also at risk. Excessive heat can cause the brake pads and brake discs to overheat, resulting in soft braking performance. This can significantly reduce the braking efficiency and pose a serious threat to driving safety. When driving on long – distance downhill sections, it is essential to reduce the speed and avoid continuous braking. Instead, use engine braking or the vehicle’s regenerative braking system (if available) to control the speed.

Moreover, high temperatures can also cause the brake fluid to deteriorate. Brake fluid is hygroscopic, and in hot weather, it can absorb moisture from the air, which can lower its boiling point. A lower boiling point increases the risk of brake fluid vaporization during braking, leading to a spongy brake pedal and potential brake failure. Therefore, regular inspection of the brake fluid is necessary. The brake fluid should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure optimal braking performance.

5. Antifreeze Inspection

5.1 Ensuring Adequate Cooling for the System

Most new energy vehicles today use a water – cooling system to dissipate heat from the control system and the motor. In summer, it is crucial to regularly check the level of the antifreeze. The antifreeze not only prevents the cooling system from freezing in cold weather but also plays a vital role in heat dissipation in high – temperature environments. If the antifreeze level is low, it can lead to insufficient cooling, which can cause the components to overheat. Adding the appropriate amount of antifreeze in a timely manner can ensure the normal operation of the cooling system and protect the vehicle’s components from damage due to overheating.

6. Chassis and Component Coverage

6.1 Ensuring Proper Heat Dissipation

For vehicles with a water – cooling system, the impact of heat on the chassis and components may be relatively less severe. However, for vehicles with air – cooled motors and electronic control systems, it is essential to ensure that there are no foreign objects covering these components. Any obstruction to the air – flow can impede heat dissipation, which can cause the components to overheat and malfunction. In extreme cases, overheating can also increase the risk of spontaneous combustion.

In addition, the DCDC system, which is responsible for converting the high – voltage electricity from the battery to a lower voltage for the vehicle’s 12 – volt electrical system, also requires proper heat dissipation. If the DCDC system cannot dissipate heat effectively, it can lead to problems with charging the 12 – volt small battery, which can affect the normal operation of various electrical components in the vehicle, such as the lights, radio, and starting system.

7. Car Washing Considerations

7.1 Avoiding Damage to the Vehicle Body

Washing the car in extremely hot weather should be avoided. In summer, the surface temperature of the car body can reach 70 – 80 degrees Celsius. When cold water is used to wash the car at this time, the sudden temperature change due to thermal expansion and contraction can cause damage to the vehicle body components. The paint on the car body is particularly vulnerable. The rapid temperature change can cause the paint to crack or peel off, affecting the appearance and corrosion resistance of the vehicle. It is best to wash the car when the vehicle body has cooled down, either in the early morning or late evening.

8. Air – conditioning and Battery Range

8.1 Balancing Comfort and Battery Range

Running the air – conditioner at full capacity for an extended period in summer can significantly reduce the vehicle’s driving range. Generally, using the air – conditioner can reduce the range by about 10%. This is because the air – conditioning system consumes a significant amount of electrical energy. Therefore, when using the air – conditioner in summer, it is necessary to pay attention to the remaining battery power. When the battery power is low, the vehicle’s computer system may automatically cut off high – power electrical equipment, including the air – conditioner. To optimize the use of the air – conditioner and battery power, it is advisable to use the air – conditioner at an appropriate temperature setting and fan speed. Te tahi atu â mau mea, using features such as pre – conditioning the vehicle’s interior temperature while the vehicle is still charging can help reduce the energy consumption of the air – conditioner during driving.

Ei faaotiraa, driving a new energy electric vehicle in high – temperature days requires careful attention to various aspects. By following these precautions, vehicle owners can ensure the safety, ha'utiraa, and longevity of their vehicles, and also enjoy a more comfortable and worry – free driving experience. As the popularity of new energy electric vehicles continues to grow, understanding and implementing these precautions will become increasingly important for all owners.