New EV Maintenance Tips for the UAE Climate

Abu Dhabi: Switching to electric power in the Emirates isn’t just about changing how you refuel; it is much more. It essentially entails a complete shift, the way you take care of your car. Unlike conventional cars, electric vehicles need an approach of discipline in maintenance. There are several key elements involved, like regular battery checkups, monitoring tyre wear, keeping brakes in optimal condition, and also keeping an eye on essential vehicle software to keep performance consistent.

This is necessary considering the kind of heat we have in the UAE. For every EV owner who wishes to have a reliable performance and higher battery life, incorporating these habits goes a long way in a hassle-free and smooth ownership experience. The Emirates is known for its relentless heat. During the summers, temperatures hitting 45°C are normal, and at times touch 50°C. If you own an electric vehicle, this isn't just uncomfortable weather; rather, a genuine test for your car's battery and every other component under the hood. But through the right care, your EV will be fine. Without it, you'll face problems faster than you'd expect. We break down what actually matters in such an extreme, hot climate.

Battery Is The Real Challenge

Your car battery is nothing like the smartphone you use. It is much more advanced, powerful and also highly sophisticated, with its own cooling system, but in the UAE's heat, it won’t always be enough. It is generally considered that the range can drop by anywhere between 15-17 % in hot climate conditions. That may not sound great, but a 300 km drop of about 50 km straight when temperatures shot up. 

Because EV batteries work optimally when temperatures range between 25 to 35 degrees centigrade. But here in the Middle East or in the UAE, that isn’t the case. The battery uses more charge just to keep itself cool, and the air conditioning drains energy fast. The longer-term issue is real, too. EV batteries typically last between 12-15 years under moderate conditions. The UAE isn't moderate. You need to protect your battery now.

The table showing how the UAE summer heat impacts EV battery range and lifespan:

Metric	Optimal Range (25-35°C)	UAE Summer (45-50°C)	Effect
Battery Range Loss	0-3%	17%	Significant drop in driving range
Typical Temp	25-35°C	45-50°C	Outside battery comfort zone
Battery Lifespan	Full expected lifespan	Reduced lifespan	Accelerated degradation

Smart Charging

In the ownership and usage of an EV, charging timing and temperature make a lot of difference. Ideally, the best time to charge your EV is at night or early morning. This is due to the temperature being lower at night and early morning. Charging your electric vehicle overnight or early morning can prevent the battery from heating up. 

Always remember, while charging, when you're charging, don't fill it to 100%. Manufacturers recommend stopping at 80%. Most manufacturers recommend charging electric cars up to 80% to avoid overcharging. Especially in this heat, overcharging stresses the battery unnecessarily.

Best Time to Charge Your EV in the UAE

Time Slot	Typical Temp (°C)	Charging Rating
Late Night	25-30	Best
Early Morning	27-32	Best
Evening	30-35	Good
Midday	40-50	Avoid

Park in the Shade

You may not have a full-fledged garage, but you always try to get parking in shaded areas, or garages can make a huge difference for battery temperature control. Your battery will stay cooler, the interior won't feel like an oven when you return, and you'll lose less range waiting around. Use sunshades on your windshield. You can also consider window tinting. These aren't luxuries but part of maintenance.

Use Eco Mode

Your EV has an eco mode. Use it in summer. This feature reduces the energy used for other functions that consume charge behind the scenes, such as the air conditioner. The modern feature also improves acceleration, reduces throttle response, and saves valuable battery power.

Pre-Cool While Plugged In

This makes a huge difference. If your EV has preconditioning, using it is a smart choice. When the weather is hot, the EV will adjust its interior temperature before you drive. That said, this feature will adjust the battery temperature, preserving the EV battery's life and performance overall.

What does this mean in practice? Before you leave home, plug in the car and turn on the climate control. The car cools down while drawing power from the charger, not from the battery. Once you unplug and drive, you're already comfortable. This means no wasted battery energy trying to cool a furnace.

Focus on Tyres

We all know well that heat makes tyre pressure spike. And underinflated tyres increase rolling resistance, which can reduce car range. But overinflated tyres are dangerous too. It is a good practice to keep checking your tyre pressure regularly, at least once a month in summer. Use the pressure your manufacturer recommends, not what feels right. Also, rotate your tyres regularly as the heat here accelerates wear.

Fluid and the Cooling System

Don’t be surprised, yes, EVs have fewer moving parts. But they still have cooling systems and brakes that need checking. Check the amount of brake fluid frequently and have the braking system cleaned at the suggested intervals. The cooling system prevents your battery and motor from overheating. Annual checkups aren't optional here. Even though EVs need fewer moving parts serviced, annual checkups remain essential.

Charging Ports and Connections

There is a high chance that dust builds up fast in the desert atmosphere across every walk of life, and the charging port is no exception. The accumulated dust in the port could potentially impact charging efficiency. Therefore, it is necessary to make a point to inspect and clean charging ports regularly. And preferably, using protective covers when the charger is not in use goes a long way. This may not take more than five minutes, but can help you a lot from charging problems later.

 

Software Updates

Unlike regular but much like your smartphone or laptop, software updates are very much part of your EV ownership. Your EV's software manages battery performance and efficiency. Most brands release updates to improve how your battery handles extreme temperatures. It is always recommended to keep software latest. Generally, most EVs allow automatic updates, and better if you enable it. This isn't a minor convenience; it’s part of battery maintenance.

Fast Charging Can be Bypass

The direct current fast chargers are convenient, but they are not necessarily the best for your car’s battery life. Using a DC charger frequently may deteriorate a battery's performance. Since the current flow rate is higher in fast charging, the battery heats up due to the current flow. So, in summer, it's smart to use AC chargers when you have time, and save fast charging for road trips or emergencies.

Conclusion 

The growing popularity of electric vehicles in the UAE means more buyers are now increasingly preferring them. Hence, owning an EV in the UAE requires different habits than owning a petrol car. Your battery is more sensitive to heat. But that doesn't mean your EV is fragile. It means you need to be intentional and with some greater focus and good practices, you can win over the vehicle.