Optimum battery temperature offers range extension

Research shows that keep batteries within optimum operating temperatures will increase the range of electric vehicles. It is widely known that batteries perform less well in cold weather but is often overlooked that overheating will also cause problems. For batteries to provide a long service life, overheating has to be prevented and temperatures kept within the optimum operating range of 20-35°C.
August 8, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
Research shows that keep batteries within optimum operating temperatures will increase the range of electric vehicles. It is widely known that batteries perform less well in cold weather but is often overlooked that overheating will also cause problems. For batteries to provide a long service life, overheating has to be prevented and temperatures kept within the optimum operating range of 20-35°C. But driving in hot ambient conditions can push a battery temperature outside the optimum range and this can cause serious damage. Operating a battery at 45°C instead of 35°C will halve its service life.

As a new battery can cost half the price of an electric vehicle, it is clear that cooling may be essential for reliable hot weather operation. But conventional cooling systems are not yet adequate in many instances. Air-cooled batteries may not have sufficient cooling potential for hot weather use, while effective liquid-cooling technology is still under development. A special coolant that comprises water and paraffin, along with stabilising tensides and a small percentage of antifreeze may offer more efficient cooling. However, testing has still to be completed by researchers in Germany.

Related Content

  • EAPA’s 10th Symposium: sustainability and communication issues
    July 19, 2017
    Sustainability and the highways sector’s image issue were two major themes at the 10th symposium of the European Asphalt Paving Association in Paris. Margo Cole reports. Sustainability was explicit or implicit in many presentations during EAPA’s biennial symposium for the paving supply chain. The industry feels that sustainability is its home territory, thanks to an already good – and getting even better - record of recycling of materials. But do buyers and users of roads realise that the design and contrac
    Read More
  • Efficient aggregate production with new technology
    December 9, 2022
    New equipment is providing major benefits for aggregate production, offering superior product quality as well as increased throughput, while also being able to better meet sustainability targets for customers
    Read More
  • Further new European pavers were launched at bauma 2013
    May 30, 2013
    Earlier this year several manufacturers announced new European asphalt pavers being launched at bauma 2013, but more surprises were in store at the show - Mike Woof writes. At the beginning of 2013 a number of manufacturers revealed new asphalt pavers being launched at the bauma 2013 exhibition. BOMAG, Caterpillar, Vögele and Volvo CE all announced new asphalt pavers in the shape of the BF900, AP300D, -3 Series units and new wheeled P-6870C respectively. These machines were at the show and all attracted con
    Read More
  • Increasing productivity and protecting crews in dangerous environments: J W Speaker puts the spotlight on safety
    May 1, 2021
    Good lighting can help improve safety levels in challenging working conditions, while also allowing increases in productivity. New technology provides a durable solution able to cope with tough working environments, while also drawing little power
    Read More

Highlighted Content