New Delhi: Electric vehicle (EV) owners may need to think twice before plugging in their scooters immediately after a long ride. Charging a battery while it is still hot can increase its temperature further, potentially accelerating battery degradation and raising safety concerns.
The issue is particularly relevant in India, where high summer temperatures can add to the heat generated by electric vehicle batteries during regular use. Researchers at IIT Madras are studying ways to address battery overheating, including cooling technologies designed to help EVs operate in extreme weather conditions.
Why Do EV Batteries Overheat?
Lithium-ion batteries generate heat during both charging and discharging. The harder a battery works, the more heat it produces.
In an experiment involving a 60 ampere-hour battery cell, researchers found that its temperature crossed 45 degrees Celsius when the surrounding temperature was 35 degrees Celsius or higher and the cell operated at a discharge rate of 1C or above. The researchers identified 45 degrees Celsius as an important threshold for battery thermal management.
The heat generated during a ride does not disappear immediately after the vehicle is switched off. Charging the battery while it is still hot can add to the existing thermal stress.
Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can accelerate battery ageing and gradually reduce its ability to retain charge. In extreme conditions, overheating can also become a safety concern.
Battery Safety Goes Beyond Cooling
Experts say battery safety requires attention throughout an electric vehicle’s lifecycle, not just at the time of purchase.
Naveen Gupta, founder and CEO of Trev Mobility, told NDTV that high temperatures can affect battery performance and accelerate degradation. Heat generated during driving and charging makes effective thermal management an important part of the overall battery system.
He emphasised the importance of battery health monitoring, regular vehicle inspections and appropriate charging practices to ensure reliable EV operations.
Gupta also advised EV owners and fleet operators to follow manufacturer guidelines and use reliable charging infrastructure. Charging decisions should take into account operating conditions and battery temperature rather than follow a uniform approach.
For fleet operators, this means regularly monitoring vehicle conditions and ensuring that maintenance and charging procedures are followed systematically.
What Should EV Owners Keep in Mind?
Battery safety depends not only on technological improvements but also on how electric vehicles are used and maintained.
Monitoring battery temperature, following the manufacturer’s charging instructions and ensuring regular maintenance can help improve battery health and reliability.
According to Gupta, the future of electric mobility will depend not only on advances in battery technology but also on how effectively the industry translates those developments into safe and dependable everyday transportation.
