A Complete Guide to Charging Electric Vehicles in Winter and Summer: Safety and Efficiency

Charging in Summer: Coping with the "Test" of High Temperatures

The scorching August heat presents a severe test for power batteries and charging systems. A scientific approach is essential to ensure safety and efficiency.

Key Concern: Can I Use the Air Conditioner Inside My Car?

A key concern for many car owners is: Can I sit in my car with the air conditioning on while charging?

Principle: Yes, but strongly not recommended.

Analysis: Summer temperatures are already high, and high-power fast charging can further elevate the power battery temperature. If high-power appliances like the air conditioner and audio-visual system are turned on during this time, the battery load will increase, leading to the following issues:

• Extended charging time: The vehicle must distribute power to the air conditioner, affecting battery charging efficiency.
• Increased risk of thermal runaway: Continuously rising temperatures may trigger the risk of thermal runaway, even though both the vehicle and the charging station have built-in BMS (battery management system) and over-temperature protection.
• Similar to the heating of a mobile phone: This is similar to how frequent use of a mobile phone while charging will increase the temperature. To ensure safety, it is recommended to keep the vehicle and the person separate when charging.

Summer Charging Safety and Efficiency Tips

1. Choose the right location and time of day

• Priority location: Prefer indoor or underground parking garage charging stations. If choosing an outdoor location, be sure to choose a station with a sunshade or rest area to prevent prolonged exposure to the sun.
• Avoidance time of day: Avoid fast charging during the day when sunlight is strongest and temperatures are highest (such as midday to afternoon). Early morning or evening charging is recommended.

2.  Pay attention to charging timing and environment.

• Do not charge immediately: After high-speed or intense driving, do not immediately perform high-power charging. The battery temperature is high during this period, and charging immediately will accelerate the temperature rise. It is recommended to let the vehicle rest for a while to allow the battery to fully cool before resuming charging.
• Beware of low-lying areas: Summer is prone to heavy rain and typhoons. Avoid charging in low-lying areas to prevent waterlogging, which can cause battery failure or rust on metal components.

Winter Charging: Overcoming Lithium Ion Cold Sensitivity

Winter, especially in extremely cold regions, significantly affects the chemical properties of power batteries, primarily manifesting as slower charging speeds and reduced range.

Core Principle: Low temperatures reduce battery activity.

Lithium Ion Cold Sensitivity: The charging process of a lithium-ion battery involves the movement of lithium ions between the positive and negative electrodes. The lower the temperature, the more viscous the electrolyte becomes, reducing the chemical activity and movement of lithium ions. This results in slower charging efficiency and even difficulty in achieving a full charge.

Impact on Battery Life: Low temperatures also increase the resistance to lithium ions moving back to the positive electrode, reducing available charge and typically reducing battery life by 10% to 20%.

Winter Charging Speed and Maintenance Tips

1. Maintain a Suitable Charging Temperature

• Utilize a Preheating System: Most modern electric vehicles have built-in battery heating systems. In low-temperature environments, allow the vehicle to briefly "warm up" (for example, let it sit for 1-2 minutes after starting) before charging or driving to bring the battery temperature to the optimal operating range.
• Choose an Indoor Environment: Choose an indoor charging location, such as an underground garage, to effectively insulate against the harsh outdoor conditions and increase charging speed. Alternatively, charge during daytime hours with bright sunlight.

2. Develop a Habit of Shallow Charges and Discharges

Avoid Deep Battery Depletion: Battery life degrades more significantly in winter, so avoid over-discharging the battery. It's recommended to adhere to the "shallow charge and discharge" principle. When the battery state of charge (SOC) drops to 30%-50%, recharge immediately to prevent battery breakdown due to rapid battery depletion in extreme cold weather.

3. Maintenance of Idle Vehicles: If your electric vehicle is parked for an extended period due to cold weather, it is recommended to fully charge it before parking. If the vehicle is parked for extended periods, it should be charged regularly to prevent the battery from becoming depleted and causing a permanent decrease in capacity.

Summary: Charge Smartly with nexway

Whether facing the heat of summer or the cold of winter, safe and efficient EV charging relies on adopting good habits. Your high-quality nexway EV Charger and Charging Connector are designed to perform reliably under varying conditions, but smart use is key:

• Safety First: In extreme weather (high heat, heavy rain), prioritize separation and choose safe, ventilated, and covered locations.
• Shallow Charging: Adhere to the "shallow charge, shallow discharge, and charge-as-you-go" principle year-round to avoid overcharging or deep discharging.
• Mix Speeds: Use Level 2 (slow) charging for daily use and reserve DC Fast Charging for long trips, which protects the battery and saves costs.