Extreme heat accelerates electric vehicle battery degradation

Jakarta (ANTARA) - An automotive expert from Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Yannes Martinus Pasaribu, has warned that the extreme heat affecting several regions in Indonesia over the past few days could significantly impact the performance and lifespan of electric vehicles (EVs). Yannes stated that environmental temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius can accelerate the battery degradation process. “The chemical reactions inside the battery occur more rapidly at high temperatures, causing the capacity to decline faster,” he said when contacted by ANTARA from Jakarta on Wednesday. He explained that reduced battery capacity could lead to a 10 to 30 per cent decrease in the vehicle’s range, slower charging times, and a potential 8 to 30 per cent reduction in battery lifespan. The most effective measures include activating the preconditioning feature before driving, parking the vehicle in shaded areas or garages, and avoiding prolonged direct sunlight exposure. Additionally, users are advised to keep the battery state of charge (SoC) between 20 and 80 per cent and avoid fast charging when ambient temperatures are high. Regarding charging habits, Yannes emphasised the importance of not charging to 100 per cent daily, especially in hot weather conditions. He also cautioned against DC fast charging when the battery is still hot after use or during midday peak temperatures. Furthermore, Yannes explained that most modern electric vehicles are equipped with a thermal management system (TMS) based on liquid cooling, which maintains optimal battery temperatures between 20 and 40 degrees Celsius. This system can even operate in ambient temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius by automatically activating pumps and fans. Nevertheless, he noted that the system is not without limitations. For storage or parking, Yannes recommended placing electric vehicles in cool, dry, shaded areas. The use of sunshades is also suggested to reduce direct heat radiation. If the vehicle is not used for an extended period, users are advised to unplug the charger and perform preconditioning before using it again. “Aim to keep it in a cool and dry place, unplug the charger if the vehicle is left for more than a month, and precondition it before using it again,” he said.