The Truth About EVs

Category: Specifications

How Does an Electric Car Perform in 100°F Heat?

July 14, 2026 /

Short answer: Better than most people think.

While extremely hot weather can reduce driving range slightly, today’s electric vehicles are designed to operate safely in triple-digit temperatures. In many cases, your EV will automatically protect itself long before heat becomes a problem.

Here’s what to expect when temperatures climb into the 90s and 100s.

1. Your battery is actively cooled.

Unlike many early EVs, most modern electric vehicles use liquid cooling systems to regulate battery temperature.

If the battery gets hot, the cooling system circulates coolant to help keep it within its preferred operating range.

You probably won’t notice anything happening—your car is simply doing its job.

Example: My Volkswagen ID.4 occasionally runs cooling fans after parking or while charging on very hot days. That’s completely normal.

2. Expect a small drop in range.

Heat itself isn’t usually the biggest problem.

Air conditioning is.

Running the A/C continuously takes energy, just like heating does in winter.

Typical summer range loss is often around 5–10%, though it varies depending on:

  • Outside temperature
  • Driving speed
  • Cabin temperature setting
  • Sun exposure
  • Battery conditioning

Even in 100°F weather, most drivers won’t notice a dramatic reduction.

3. The cooling fans may keep running after you park.

This surprises many first-time EV owners.

You park…

Walk away…

Then hear fans still running.

That’s often the battery cooling itself.

It’s perfectly normal.

4. Fast charging may take a little longer.

DC fast charging creates additional heat.

If your battery is already hot after a long highway drive, your vehicle may slightly reduce charging speed to protect the battery.

This isn’t a defect.

It’s your battery management system maximizing long-term battery health.

5. Should you leave your EV plugged in?

Generally…

Yes, if you’re using a Level 1 or Level 2 home charger.

Many manufacturers recommend leaving the vehicle plugged in when parked for extended periods because the car can:

  • Maintain the battery
  • Run cooling systems if necessary
  • Precondition before departure

If you normally charge to 80%, simply leave your charging limit set there.

6. Avoid charging to 100% every day.

High temperatures and sitting at a full charge for extended periods aren’t ideal for lithium-ion batteries.

For everyday driving:

  • Charge to around 80%
  • Save 100% for road trips or when you truly need the extra range

7. Cabin preconditioning is your friend.

One of the biggest advantages of an EV is cooling the cabin before you leave.

If the vehicle is plugged in, much of the energy used to cool the cabin comes from the charger instead of the battery.

That means:

  • A more comfortable cabin
  • Better starting range
  • Less work for the battery once you begin driving

8. Heat is easier on EVs than extreme cold.

Cold weather has a much greater impact on EV range than hot weather.

While triple-digit temperatures may reduce range slightly, freezing temperatures often have a much larger effect because batteries are less efficient when cold and the cabin heater requires significant energy.

Final thoughts

If it’s 100°F outside, your EV is probably less concerned than you are.

Modern electric vehicles continuously monitor battery temperature and automatically manage cooling to protect the battery and maintain performance.

You may hear fans running, notice slightly slower fast charging, or lose a small amount of driving range—but these are all expected behaviors, not signs that something is wro

than staged marketing shots.

How Long Can an Electric Vehicle Sit Without Being Driven?

July 8, 2026 /

The short answer

Most modern EVs can safely sit for several weeks or even a few months without being driven, provided the battery isn’t left completely full or nearly empty.

Unlike gasoline vehicles, EVs don’t have engine oil circulating through an engine, fuel degrading in injectors, or dozens of moving parts that need regular operation.

Ironically, many EVs tolerate sitting better than gasoline vehicles.

What actually happens while an EV sits?

People imagine the battery is constantly draining. It does—but usually much slower than expected.

The car uses a small amount of energy for things like:

  • battery monitoring
  • security systems
  • cellular connection
  • remote app connectivity
  • thermal management (on some models)

Many owners report losing only 1–3% per week, while others see even less. Temperature and vehicle model make a noticeable difference.

Ideal battery charge for storage

This is probably the most important tip.

For storage lasting more than a week or two:

  • Around 50–60% is ideal.
  • Anywhere from 40–70% is perfectly reasonable.
  • Avoid leaving the battery at 100% for extended periods.
  • Avoid leaving it below 20%, especially if you’re unsure when you’ll drive it again.

Think of lithium-ion batteries like people—they’re happiest somewhere in the middle, not at either extreme.

Should you leave it plugged in?

Usually yes.

If your vehicle allows you to set a charge limit (many do), set it around 60–80% and leave it plugged into a Level 1 or Level 2 charger.

The car can maintain itself without keeping the battery at 100%.

If you don’t have home charging, parking it around 50–60% for several weeks is generally fine.

Cold weather storage

Winter changes things.

Very cold temperatures reduce available battery capacity temporarily, but they don’t necessarily damage the battery.

If the vehicle will sit outside during freezing weather:

  • Don’t leave it nearly empty.
  • Around 50–70% is a comfortable range.
  • If possible, leave it plugged in so the battery management system can protect the pack.

Hot weather storage

Extreme heat is harder on lithium-ion batteries than cold.

If parking outside for weeks during summer:

  • Avoid leaving the battery at 100%.
  • Park in shade if possible.
  • Keep the battery somewhere around the middle of its charge range.

How does this compare to a gasoline vehicle?

Here’s where things get interesting.

EVGas vehicle
No engine oil circulation concernsOil drains off engine components over time
No fuel degradationGasoline slowly degrades
No fuel injectors to gum upFuel system can varnish during long storage
No exhaust moisture concernsShort trips and storage can encourage condensation
Very little routine maintenanceMore fluids and mechanical systems

However…

Both have a traditional 12-volt battery.

That battery is often what causes trouble first—not the EV battery.

If either vehicle sits for months, a battery maintainer can be a worthwhile investment.

If your EV is your “good weather” car

Many people own an EV alongside an SUV or truck used for:

  • snow
  • towing
  • hunting
  • camping
  • severe winter weather

That’s perfectly reasonable.

A simple routine might look like this:

  • Drive the EV once every couple of weeks.
  • Let regenerative braking and normal driving cycle the battery.
  • Recharge back to your preferred storage level.

No special rituals required.

Bottom line

If you won’t be driving your EV for a while:

  • Store it around 50–60% charge.
  • Avoid 100% for long periods.
  • Avoid leaving it nearly empty.
  • Plug it in if practical and use a reasonable charge limit.
  • Drive it occasionally if storage stretches into months.

Compared with a similar gasoline vehicle, an EV often requires less attention during storage because there are simply fewer mechanical systems affected by sitting still.

Why Do Some Electric Vehicles Feel So Much Bigger Inside?

July 7, 2026 /

One of the biggest surprises people have after test driving an electric vehicle has nothing to do with acceleration or charging.

It’s the interior space.

Many drivers climb into an EV and immediately say something like:

“This feels much bigger than I expected.”

Is that just an illusion?

Not entirely.

It’s Not That Every EV Is Bigger

Let’s start with an important point.

Not every electric vehicle has more interior room than a comparable gasoline vehicle.

Vehicle size, design priorities, and manufacturer choices all matter.

However, many EVs make better use of the space they have, which can make them feel surprisingly roomy.

The Biggest Difference Is What’s Missing

A traditional gasoline vehicle has to make room for several large mechanical components:

  • A gasoline engine
  • A transmission
  • An exhaust system
  • A fuel tank
  • Driveshafts (on many vehicles)
  • Cooling systems designed around an engine

An electric vehicle replaces much of that with:

  • One or more compact electric motors
  • A large battery pack, usually mounted under the floor
  • Much simpler driveline components

This gives designers much more flexibility.

A Longer Wheelbase Without a Bigger Vehicle

One of the biggest advantages is something called the wheelbase.

The wheelbase is simply the distance between the front and rear wheels.

Because EV designers don’t have to fit a large engine under the hood, they can often push the wheels farther toward the corners of the vehicle.

That creates:

  • More legroom
  • More rear-seat space
  • Better weight distribution
  • A smoother ride

without making the vehicle dramatically longer overall.

Why Tall Drivers Often Notice It

As someone over six feet tall, this is one of the first things I notice.

Many compact gasoline cars require the dashboard, firewall, engine bay, and transmission tunnel to occupy space that could otherwise be used for passengers.

In many EVs, the cabin begins farther forward, and the floor is flatter because there is no traditional transmission tunnel running through the middle.

That doesn’t automatically mean every tall driver will fit better.

But it does mean you’ll often find more usable space than you might expect from the vehicle’s exterior dimensions.

The “Cab Forward” Design

Many EVs also use what’s sometimes called a cab-forward design.

Because the front of the vehicle doesn’t need to house a large gasoline engine, designers can move the passenger compartment slightly forward while keeping crash safety structures in place.

The result is an interior that often feels more open.

Flat Floors Make a Difference

Many EVs also have a nearly flat rear floor.

Without a large driveshaft tunnel running down the center of the vehicle, rear passengers often have more room for their feet.

This is especially noticeable when carrying three passengers across the back seat.

It’s Not Magic

There are still tradeoffs.

The battery pack under the floor raises the seating position slightly in some vehicles.

Some EVs sacrifice cargo space to achieve other design goals.

Others use the extra room for additional storage, such as a front trunk (“frunk”).

Like any vehicle, good packaging depends on the manufacturer’s priorities.

Should Tall Drivers Test Drive an EV?

Absolutely.

If you’ve always assumed you needed a midsize or large SUV simply because you’re tall, an electric vehicle may surprise you.

Several EVs offer interior space comparable to larger gasoline vehicles despite having similar—or even smaller—outside dimensions.

The only way to know is to sit in one.

You may find that the extra room isn’t marketing—it comes from a fundamentally different way of packaging the vehicle.

What Are EV Braking Modes? Understanding One-Pedal Driving, Regenerative Braking, and “B” Mode

July 7, 2026 /

One of the biggest surprises for new electric vehicle owners isn’t the acceleration.

It’s the braking.

If you’ve driven more than one EV, you’ve probably noticed they don’t all behave the same when you lift off the accelerator. Some coast almost like a gasoline car. Others slow down aggressively. Some can even come to a complete stop without touching the brake pedal.

So what’s going on?

It’s Called Regenerative Braking

Unlike a gasoline car, an electric vehicle can use its electric motor as a generator.

When you lift off the accelerator, the motor begins converting some of the vehicle’s momentum back into electricity, sending energy to the battery instead of wasting it as heat through the brake pads.

This process is called regenerative braking.

The harder the regeneration, the more the car slows down.

Not Every EV Behaves the Same

Manufacturers take different approaches.

Some vehicles are designed to feel familiar to drivers coming from gasoline cars and coast naturally when you lift off the accelerator.

Others are designed around stronger regenerative braking that noticeably slows the vehicle.

Some models allow true one-pedal driving, where lifting off the accelerator slows the vehicle enough to stop completely under many driving conditions.

Others only slow the car and require the brake pedal for the final few miles per hour.

There isn’t one “correct” approach—it’s largely a design choice.

What Does “B” Mode Do?

On my Volkswagen ID.4, the gear selector has two driving positions:

  • D (Drive) – behaves more like a traditional automatic transmission, allowing more coasting.
  • B (Brake) – increases regenerative braking when you lift off the accelerator.

In B mode, the vehicle slows more aggressively, making it easier to control speed without constantly moving your foot to the brake pedal. However, the ID.4 still requires the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

Other manufacturers use different names or buttons, but the idea is similar.

What About One-Pedal Driving?

Some EVs—including certain versions of the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Tesla, Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Equinox EV, and Hyundai Ioniq 5—offer one-pedal driving.

When enabled, lifting completely off the accelerator can slow the vehicle all the way to a stop in many situations.

Many drivers enjoy it because:

  • It reduces how often you move between the accelerator and brake pedal.
  • It can make stop-and-go traffic less tiring.
  • It allows very smooth speed control once you get used to it.

Some people love it immediately.

Others prefer traditional coasting.

Fortunately, many manufacturers let you choose.

Does Regenerative Braking Save Brake Pads?

Yes.

Because the electric motor is doing much of the slowing, the conventional brakes are used less frequently.

That means EV brake pads often last much longer than those on comparable gasoline vehicles.

Ironically, some EV owners experience rusty brake rotors before they wear out because the friction brakes simply aren’t used as often.

Does Regenerative Braking Charge the Battery?

Yes—but don’t expect miracles.

Regenerative braking recovers a portion of the energy that would otherwise be lost while slowing down.

It helps improve efficiency, especially during city driving with frequent stops.

However, it doesn’t create free energy or completely recharge the battery.

Think of it as recovering some of the energy you already spent.

Which Mode Is Best?

There isn’t one answer.

Some drivers prefer maximum regeneration because they enjoy one-pedal driving.

Others prefer coasting because it feels more natural on the highway.

If your EV offers multiple braking modes, try each one for a week.

You may find your preference changes as you become more comfortable with electric driving.

Final Thoughts

One of the fun parts of owning an EV is discovering that different manufacturers have different philosophies.

Some prioritize a familiar driving experience.

Others embrace strong regenerative braking and one-pedal driving.

Neither approach is right or wrong—they’re simply different ways of using the same technology.

If you’re shopping for an EV, don’t overlook braking modes during your test drive. They can make a bigger difference in daily driving than you might expect.

What to Do If Your EV Isn’t Rated for Towing (Like Mine)

June 23, 2025 /

So, you just bought an EV and realized it’s not rated for towing in your market. Don’t worry—you’re not alone. My RWD Volkswagen ID.4 falls into that exact category in the U.S., even though similar models elsewhere are tow-capable. So what can you do?

First: Understand Why It’s Not Rated

Manufacturers may not certify a vehicle for towing in certain countries due to:

  • Liability concerns
  • Regulatory differences
  • Suspension or cooling system limitations
  • Marketing priorities (some U.S. models skip towing to focus on range)

Second: Don’t Panic—Here Are Your Options

  • ✔️ Option 1: Use a Hitch for Accessories Only
    • Most “unrated” EVs can safely handle a Class 1 or 2 hitch for bike racks or cargo trays.
    • Be sure the hitch is frame-mounted and installed professionally.
  • ⚠️Option 2: Light, Unofficial Towing (Not Recommended)
    • Some folks use aftermarket hitches for ultra-light trailers (e.g., small utility carts).
    • But: this can void your warranty, and most EV braking and regen systems aren’t optimized for towing.
    • Proceed at your own risk, and know that resale value or dealer service could be impacted.
  • ⛔ Option 3: Don’t Tow
    • If you can’t risk it, don’t. That’s the most manufacturer-safe move.
    • Look into rental trucks or vans for occasional hauls, or consider a second tow-rated vehicle.
    • If you haven’t purchased one yet, look into our list of towing-safe EVs.

Third: Look into International Models

Sometimes, the same EV is rated for towing in Europe or Canada. That tells you:

  • The platform can handle it.
  • You might be able to add hardware down the road if you’re savvy (but again, warranty risk).
  • It gives hope that future U.S. models may get updates.

Final Takeaway

Just because your EV isn’t “tow-rated” doesn’t mean it’s useless-it just means it wasn’t marketed or certified that way in the US. Use your vehicle within spec, explore alternatives, and advocate for more transparency in U.S. EV specs.

EVs That Are Good for Towing

June 23, 2025 /

Not all EVs are created equal when it comes to towing — and some manufacturers restrict tow ratings by market. For example, the Volkswagen ID.4 is rated for up to 2,700 lbs in Europe but has no tow rating in the U.S. due to legal and insurance liabilities.

If you’re buying in the U.S. (Or wherever), always double-check the official owner’s manual and build specs. Even when the vehicle is physically capable, the tow rating may be absent due to market-specific testing, certification, or warranty coverage. When in doubt, don’t assume your EV can tow — especially in North America.

✅ Top EVs for Towing

  • Rivian R1T: 11,000 lbs (Leading the pack for serious towing)
  • Ford F-150 Lightning: Up to 10,000 lbs (Extended Range + Max Tow Package essential)
  • Chevrolet Silverado EV: 10,000 lbs (WT model; note on future higher ratings for specific trims)
  • Tesla Cybertruck AWD: 11,000 lbs (Leverages advanced software for stability)
  • GMC Hummer EV Pickup/SUV: ~7,500 lbs (A brute with substantial pulling power)
  • Rivian R1S: 7,700 lbs (Excellent family SUV with strong towing for trailers)
  • Tesla Model X: 5,000 lbs (A long-standing capable EV for moderate towing)
  • Kia EV9 AWD: Up to 5,000 lbs (Strong contender in the 3-row SUV segment)
  • Volvo EX90: ~4,850 lbs (New luxury 3-row with solid towing)
  • Audi Q8 e-tron / SQ8 e-tron: 4,000 – 4,400 lbs (Premium SUV with good capability)
  • BMW iX M60: 5,500 lbs (Luxury and capability, check regional specs)
  • Tesla Model Y (AWD with tow package): 3,500 lbs (Popular choice for lighter towing needs)
  • Genesis Electrified GV70: 3,500 lbs (Luxury option with decent capacity)
  • Volkswagen ID.4 AWD: 2,700 lbs (A widely available option for lighter loads)
  • Hyundai Ioniq 5 AWD / Kia EV6 AWD: 2,300 lbs (Surprisingly capable for their size, for lighter trailers)
  • Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV: Up to 4,000 lbs (Luxury SUV with moderate towing)

🚫 10 EVs Not Recommended for Towing

  • Chevrolet Bolt EV/EUV: No official tow rating.
  • Nissan Leaf: No official U.S. tow rating (very light duty in Europe).
  • Hyundai Kona EV: No official U.S. tow rating (light duty in Europe).
  • Mazda MX-30: No tow rating, very limited range.
  • Mini Cooper SE: Designed for city driving, no towing.
  • Fiat 500e: No structural support for towing.
  • Tesla Model 3 RWD/AWD (without specific tow package/region): Generally not factory-rated for towing in the U.S. (unlike Model Y).
  • Lucid Air: High-performance luxury sedan, not designed for towing.
  • Toyota bZ4X (and Subaru Solterra): Minimal or no official towing, not marketed for it.
  • VinFast VF8: Limited data and stability concerns under load make it questionable for towing.
  • Any small, economy-focused EV not explicitly listed with a tow rating: Most will simply not be designed or rated for towing.

General Considerations for EV Towing:

It’s important to remember a few key things about towing with EVs:

  • Range Reduction: Towing significantly reduces an EV’s range. This is a crucial point that can’t be overstated. Heavier loads and aerodynamic drag from trailers mean you’ll be stopping to charge much more frequently.
  • Charging Infrastructure: Not all charging stations are tow-friendly (e.g., pull-through spots are limited). This requires extra planning for longer towing trips.
  • Instant Torque: EVs excel at towing due to their instant torque, making for very smooth acceleration even with heavy loads.
  • Regenerative Braking: While helpful for efficiency, some EVs might have limitations or require specific settings when using regenerative braking with a heavy towed load to prevent overheating or damage.

Please remember to check the specific owner’s manual and trim levels for your desired vehicle for the most accurate and up-to-date towing information.

Sources

  1. go-e: Electric Cars Towing Trailers Guide (2025)
  2. Car and Driver: Rivian R1T (2024)
  3. Cornerstone Ford: F-150 Lightning Towing Capacity
  4. Car and Driver: Silverado EV (2026)
  5. Car and Driver: Rivian R1S (2022)
  6. Car and Driver: BMW iX (2026)
  7. Hyundai Newsroom: Ioniq 5 Overview (2023)
  8. Fowler Kia: EV9 Towing Info
  9. Mercedes-Benz Scottsdale Blog (2025)
  10. Car and Driver: GMC Hummer EV
  11. Edmunds: Audi Q8 e-tron (2024)
  12. Polestar: Polestar 3 Specifications
  13. Genesis Atlanta: GV70 Towing
  14. Fleet EV News: Kona EV Towing
  15. CarsGuide: Mazda MX-30 Towing
  16. TorkLift Central: Mini Cooper SE Trailer Hitch
  17. eTowbars: Fiat 500e Towbar (U.S.)
  18. Lucid Motors: Gravity Essentials

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