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The Impact of High Temperatures on Electric Car Batteries: What You Need to Know
Electric vehicles, which are considered a solution to climate change, struggle to operate effectively and safely in extreme heat. As heat waves become more common and intense, electric vehicle (EV) owners must prioritize battery safety.
High temperatures may not destroy battery-powered cars, but they do pose challenges. In hot climates, EVs have to work harder to cool down the battery and passengers; however, the real danger lies in the chemical breakdown caused by extreme heat, comparable to heart disease in humans or a slow-moving form of cancer.
As the temperature rises, the ions in the car battery accelerate, causing difficulties in attaching to the anode or cathode. Additionally, the pressure and speed can lead to small cracks, inhibiting chemical reactions and reducing the overall lifespan of the battery.
Fast-charging cycles, like those used with Tesla Superchargers, can have an impact on battery performance. The heat generated during rapid charging is one reason why smartphone batteries don’t charge as quickly. However, on exceptionally hot days, the ions in an EV battery will move around even when the car isn’t being driven or plugged in. This can lead to a permanent reduction in the range of the EV.
“The worst case really is a car that sits in an unconditioned garage in Phoenix all summer without being plugged in,” said Scott Case, co-founder, and chief executive officer of Recurrent, a startup that generates battery health reports for EV customers and dealers. “That will cook the battery really quickly.” If the car is plugged in, it can use charging power to keep its battery cool.
Cold weather also has a direct impact on the performance of electric vehicle batteries. When temperatures drop, the chemical reactions within the battery slow down, resulting in a decreased ability to hold a charge. However, it is important to note that these effects are only temporary. Once the colder season passes and spring arrives, an EV battery in snowy Michigan or chilly Maine will regain its full function.
In contrast, heat can have long-lasting consequences on the maximum range of an EV. Excessive heat can permanently reduce the battery’s capacity, leading to a decreased range that persists over time. Therefore, while cold weather may temporarily affect EV batteries, it is crucial to be mindful of the potential damage that heat can cause to the overall performance and lifespan of the battery.
“You can coach people, but you can’t say ‘Don’t live in Phoenix,’” Case said. “That one feels a little bit unfair.”
As electric vehicle adoption continues to grow, especially in hot regions, drivers worldwide need to know how to keep their battery life in good shape. In America, states like California, Florida, Texas, Arizona, and Georgia have the highest number of EVs, accounting for 56% of the country’s battery-powered cars, according to the Department of Energy. The good news is that there are measures to counteract the impact of high temperatures on EVs’ battery performance.
“Anywhere I can find shade in a hot Texas summer, I try to find it,” said Skyler Williams, an Austin-based entrepreneur who studied up on battery chemistry and maintenance before buying his Rivian R1S last August. “It doesn’t matter if I’m going to be in the grocery store for 10 minutes or two hours. Better safe than sorry.”
Williams has adopted some effective practices for maintaining his electric truck’s battery. He only charges at fast stations when necessary and keeps his truck plugged in when it’s parked in the garage. He also avoids charging the battery beyond 80% and uses Rivian’s app to control the windows remotely. Despite using the truck for almost a year, the battery’s range has not decreased, which is promising for its future resale value.
The importance of battery health in the electric vehicle market is rapidly increasing, and customers are now prioritizing it when making purchase decisions. According to Stephanie Valdez Streaty from Cox Automotive Inc., four out of five electric vehicle shoppers now consider battery longevity. As a response, her team is working on a unique scoring system to assess battery health.
“We’re still in heavy R&D [research and development] mode on this, but that’s the vision,” she said. “Having the option to buy a used EV is so important, and having transparency on battery health is going to be key.”
Recurrent is a company set on finding advanced solutions for evaluating electric vehicles. They use technology to gather battery performance data from over 17,000 EVs three times a day. By analyzing factors such as range, charge level, and mileage, they provide a comprehensive score for each vehicle. Their system even accounts for charging habits, giving them a holistic understanding of a car’s battery health.
For instance, an EV that has endured intense heat in Texas may receive a lower score compared to a similar model in a milder climate. On the other hand, a Texan driver who has taken excellent care of their EV could receive a higher Recurrent score than a comparable car in a cooler region that regularly pushes the battery to its limits.
“Manufacturers are competing on three axis: overall range, charging speed, and cost,” Case said. “They’ll be held accountable for a fourth axis, and that’s ‘How long will these things last?’”
California regulators are currently considering a proposal mandating a battery health assessment for every electric vehicle being sold. This is particularly relevant for dealerships in areas with hot climates, as there can be a significant difference between the actual range of the vehicle and the range certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Recurrent has found that many of its top customers are dealerships in these regions.
“EPA range certifications are wrong on day one because they don’t account for temperature variations,” Scott said. “This is a huge transition that everybody needs to see.”
Source: Transport Topics
Supply Chain Turmoil Hits Drivers as Costs and Shortages Persist
“Due to the exorbitant cost of shipping, we have had to raise prices to our customers as well as order eight months’ worth of inventory, eight months in advance.” — Hanna from The Crown Choice
The anticipated recovery year turned into ongoing supply chain disruptions, with raw material shortages and factories in China operating on limited schedules. The cost of shipping containers has skyrocketed, impacting small businesses and their ability to order inventory effectively.
What This Means for Your Wallet and Your Miles
Shipping costs are at an all-time high, which could mean higher operating costs for you as a driver. If you’re hauling goods for small businesses, expect them to pass these costs along in the form of higher order rates or delayed payments.
Fuel costs are also likely to be affected as ripple effects from supply chain disruptions impact pricing. Keep an eye on fuel surcharges and budget accordingly to avoid surprises in your expense sheet.
If you’re relying on contracts with big retailers, be prepared for potential delays. Mass retailers are struggling with empty shelves, which might lead to fewer loads as they adjust to the new normal.
Load availability may shift as businesses look to diversify their supplier base. Stay flexible and ready to adjust your routes based on changing demand and supply scenarios.
How are shipping costs affecting my job?
High shipping costs are driving businesses to increase prices, which may lead to fewer shipments or altered contracts. Be prepared to adjust to these changes.
Will this affect fuel prices?
Yes, supply chain disruptions can influence fuel prices, so keep an eye on trends and potential surcharges that may affect your operating costs.
What about load availability?
Load availability could fluctuate as businesses adjust their supply chains. Flexibility in routes and contracts will be crucial to maintaining steady work.
How can I prepare for potential delays?
Keep in close contact with your logistics partners and clients. Understanding their challenges can help you anticipate delays and adjust your schedule accordingly.
Is there anything I can do to mitigate these costs?
Consider renegotiating rates and contracts to account for increased costs, and explore new markets and clients who may offer more stable opportunities.
Key Strategies for Effective Remote Worker Time Management
Remote work has become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to technological advancements and changing attitudes towards work-life balance.
The article discusses various strategies and tools to enhance time management for remote workers. It covers setting expectations, choosing appropriate time tracking tools, and maintaining accountability to improve productivity in a remote work environment.
What This Means for Your Wallet and Your Miles
For drivers who also manage remote workers or work remotely themselves, the right time tracking tools can streamline operations and improve productivity. This could potentially reduce overhead costs and increase efficiency.
Setting clear expectations regarding availability and communication can help avoid misunderstandings and reduce downtime, ensuring you stay on top of your tasks and deadlines.
Establishing a routine can help you make the most of your work hours, allowing more time for driving or managing logistics without affecting performance.
Regularly reviewing and adjusting your time management practices can help identify inefficiencies, allowing you to make changes that enhance productivity and ensure a steady flow of income.
How can I improve time management for my remote workers?
Set clear expectations for work hours and communication, use effective time tracking tools, and establish routines to optimize productivity.
What are some recommended time tracking tools?
Popular options include Toggl, BuddyPunch, RescueTime, and Harvest, each offering different features suited to various needs.
How often should I review my time tracking practices?
Regular reviews, ideally monthly, can help identify areas for improvement and ensure your practices remain effective and aligned with goals.
Why is accountability important in remote work?
Accountability helps maintain productivity and motivation, ensuring that tasks are completed efficiently and on time.
What should I do if my current routine isn’t working?
Be flexible and willing to adjust your routine or try new tools and strategies to find a setup that maximizes productivity and fits your work style.
An Illinois-based trucker, Moath Musamih, from Orland Park, has been formally indicted in Ohio on grand theft charges for allegedly avoiding nearly $22,000 in turnpike tolls. The indictment, filed on April 21 by a Williams County grand jury, accuses Musamih of a fourth-degree felony relating to unpaid tolls, with potential penalties including up to 18 months imprisonment, a $5,000 fine, and restitution.
Prosecutors assert that Musamih’s truck was monitored with open-road tolling technology for close to two years. Despite receiving multiple payment notifications, the tolls remained unpaid. The indictment also includes a clause to confiscate the 2012 Freightliner Cascadia allegedly used in these offenses.
County Chief Investigator Andrew Skiles noted that the Ohio State Highway Patrol had been keeping tabs on Musamih for some time due to the unpaid tolls. According to Skiles, Musamih is an owner-operator whose vehicle, reportedly registered under his wife’s name, was regularly tracked traveling extensive distances on the Ohio Turnpike using an E-ZPass transponder.
An Ohio State Highway Patrol officer encountered Musamih at a service plaza on eastbound Interstate 80, where an incident report was filed for “Theft by Deception.” The report included accusations of theft without consent and engaging in corrupt activities.
Williams County Prosecutor Katherine Zartman opted for criminal proceedings against Musamih due to the significant total of approximately $21,991 in unpaid tolls over an extensive period from April 2024 to April 2026. The decision to pursue a fourth-degree felony charge was influenced by Musamih’s alleged repeated offenses and the proposed forfeiture of his semi-truck as it was deemed contraband linked to the criminal activity.
The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission, through its advanced open-road tolling system launched in April 2024, identified Musamih. Executive Director Ferzan Ahmed emphasized the aim to maintain optimal conditions on the turnpike while highlighting the challenges posed by companies that fail to settle their toll liabilities, despite numerous reminders and collection attempts.
In a broader context, the commission recently disclosed a list of 315 trucking companies accused of evading $5.2 million in tolls over the past two years, indicating a widespread issue with rogue operators.
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