Due to the inability of power batteries to withstand low temperatures, the driving range of new energy vehicles is generally reduced to some extent in winter. In fact, power batteries are not only vulnerable to low temperatures but also to high temperatures. With summer approaching, what precautions should be taken when using new energy vehicles?
1. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Whether it's a gasoline-powered car or an electric vehicle, it should be kept away from direct sunlight during the summer. Firstly, it can damage the car's paint and interior; secondly, the high temperatures from prolonged exposure are detrimental to the vehicle's components and battery, for example, reducing battery activity.
There have been incidents of electric vehicle batteries catching fire in high temperatures, so we should try to park electric vehicles in shady places.
2. Do not charge at high temperatures. In the hot summer, the electric vehicle also generates heat when charging. The combination of these two conditions can cause the battery and charger to overheat. If not careful, the battery casing may melt or even catch fire. Therefore, be sure to charge in a cool and ventilated place.
3. Avoid charging in the rain. Legitimate charging stations have very strict waterproof standards, and most charging ports are designed to be electricity-free, with insulating materials used around the ports. Therefore, charging electric vehicles in the rain is generally safe. However, it's important to note that high voltage from lightning strikes can damage both the electric vehicle and the charging infrastructure.
4. Be aware of road flooding; do not pass through water that is too deep. Summer brings frequent and heavy rainfall, sometimes resulting in severe flooding. Do not attempt to drive through deep water to prevent damage to your vehicle. It is recommended to proceed slowly when the water level is below 20 centimeters.
5. Be aware of the impact of air conditioning on vehicle range. In summer, using the air conditioning in a new energy vehicle will definitely affect its range. This is because the electric compressor is powered by the battery. Turning on the air conditioning will reduce the range by 15-20 kilometers per hour. Therefore, it's necessary to cool the vehicle to a suitable temperature as quickly as possible and then adjust the fan speed and temperature promptly to reduce energy consumption.