During the summer, when heat waves and heavy rains occur and long-distance driving is involved, there are concerns that particular attention must be paid to prior checks such as the status of chargers and batteries when operating electric vehicles. It is recommended to use chargers within indoor parking lots and avoid puddles or flooded roads.
K Car, the largest direct-operated used car platform in Korea, introduced essential checks and driving tips for safe operation of electric vehicles on the 14th, ahead of the final holiday rush. The guidance includes checking the locations of charging stations and their conditions before long-distance driving and familiarizing oneself with safe charging methods during rain.
Before embarking on a drive, the first thing to check is information related to charging stations located near the destination and the route. Utilizing the Ministry of Environment's zero-emission vehicle integrated website and the vehicle's EV system charging station guide feature can help identify nearby charging stations.
Safety management for charging should also be mindful of external conditions such as humidity and rain. When operating chargers, wet hands should not be used, and moisture should not enter the charging device. Regular checks for damage to charging connectors and cables should also be conducted. It is recommended to use designated national standard-certified chargers and adapters, and to use chargers within indoor parking lots whenever possible.
During heavy rain, roads that are beginning to flood or have puddles should be avoided. While the batteries equipped in electric vehicles have high waterproof performance, exposure to strong water pressure or unexpected shocks from foreign substances can pose risks. If crossing is unavoidable, one should drive slowly to minimize shocks to the bottom of the vehicle.
Basic vehicle functions such as the battery, air conditioning system, and regenerative braking system should be checked in advance. During the summer, utilizing the "Pre-conditioning" function, which optimizes the indoor and battery temperatures while charging, is effective. This feature operates on external power without loss of battery charge, helping to reduce power consumption.
In addition to the regenerative braking system, safety devices such as brakes, tires, wipers, and lighting should also be thoroughly checked. The smart key battery should be identified by type in advance, so that it can be replaced when necessary.
To operate electric vehicles for extended periods during the heat, preventing high temperatures and minimizing battery strain is important. Parking in shaded or indoor spaces to avoid direct sunlight and charging to no more than 80% of battery capacity is effective for prolonging battery lifespan.
The driver's driving style significantly affects energy efficiency and driving range; therefore, speeding and overloading should be avoided. Along with adhering to speed limits, minimizing rapid acceleration and braking, while operating the accelerator pedal smoothly, aids in maintaining battery efficiency.
Hwang Gyu-seok, head of the diagnostics department at K Car, said, "Electric vehicles can operate efficiently regardless of the season if managed well, but special attention should be given to battery degradation and tire management in extreme heat or cold." He advised, "It is recommended to thoroughly check the vehicle's condition before departure for a pleasant and safe summer vacation."