Amid Thailand's current scorching heat above 40°C, many people worry whether electric vehicles (EVs) can handle long-distance travel or face problems, as temperatures have stayed at the peak for two weeks with no sign of cooling down. Even after sunset at 9:00 p.m., some areas remain at 33°C. Global warming affects our living conditions and the vehicles we use. In fact, EV systems are designed to handle heat to some extent, with efficient heat dissipation from the drivetrain. However, there are key points to understand for comfortable use, as follows.
1. Battery Management System (BMS)
Most current EVs use liquid cooling to maintain the battery temperature within an ideal range (usually about 25-35°C). In extreme heat, the system works harder to dissipate heat from the battery cells. During DC fast charging, the cooling system operates continuously to reduce temperature. Using EVs in 41-43°C heat may cause slightly higher energy consumption for cooling, which reduces driving range somewhat but prevents premature battery degradation.
2. Air Conditioning Energy Use In gasoline cars, the air conditioner draws power from the engine, but in EVs, it draws electricity directly from the battery. On very hot days, the AC compressor runs at full capacity to combat Thailand's strong, cloudless April sun. Real-world tests show that running the AC in heavy traffic and heat can reduce driving range by about 10-15% compared to normal temperatures.
3. Charging Under Direct Sunlight When charging, especially with DC fast charging during extreme heat, the charging speed may be reduced (thermal throttling) for safety. The cooling system works continuously to lower heat in cables and the battery. Charging in shaded areas or cooler times is recommended to achieve optimal charging performance.
Recommendations for Using EVs in Hot Weather
Use the feature to turn on the air conditioner via the app 5-10 minutes before entering the car while it is still plugged in to charge. This reduces battery strain during initial driving.
Park in the shade to lessen cooling system load while parked and to help preserve interior materials.
Check coolant levels regularly according to the service schedule, as coolant is vital for controlling battery temperature.
In summary, electric vehicles can comfortably operate in extreme heat — they definitely "can handle it." Modern electric drivetrain technology supports use in very hot climates well, though some driving range may be lost due to cooling demands.