Electric Vehicles Driven Hard Continuously, Battery Risks Loom

Jakarta — Driving aggressively, such as frequently pressing the accelerator hard or maintaining high speeds for extended periods, can impact the condition of electric vehicles. Whilst known for smooth and responsive performance, continuous power usage can potentially trigger increased battery temperature, resulting in decreased performance. “When electric vehicles are driven at high speed or with sustained high acceleration, the power demand from the electric motor is also high. The battery will work harder and its temperature can increase,” said Mahaendra when met in South Jakarta on Monday, 16 March 2026. He explained that this temperature increase is actually normal, similar to electronic devices like mobile phones that become hot when used for demanding activities such as video recording or gaming for extended periods. However, electric vehicles have a more advanced Battery Management System (BMS) designed to prevent damage. When temperature is detected as too high, the system will automatically limit the vehicle’s performance. “The BMS protects by limiting the power that can be drawn from the electric motor, so the vehicle cannot produce maximum power,” said Mahaendra. In certain conditions, this limitation can be even more extreme. If the temperature continues to rise beyond the threshold, the vehicle can enter protection mode, also known as turtle mode. “When it overheats, usually a turtle icon appears on the dashboard. That means power is reduced, possibly to only about 10 per cent of normal capability,” he said. Excessive heat conditions can also occur during charging, especially with fast charging. When battery temperature increases, the system will automatically reduce charging power to avoid worsening the condition.