Tag: Charging

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

July 14, 2026 / Truth Driver

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.

10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Electric Vehicles

July 8, 2026 / Truth Driver

Buying an EV can feel intimidating if you’ve never owned one before. Between charging, batteries, and unfamiliar technology, it’s easy to think they’re completely different from gas-powered cars.

The reality? Some things are very different—and some are much simpler than most people expect.

Here are ten things that surprise first-time EV owners.

1. Most EVs don’t need oil changes.

This is probably the biggest surprise.

Since there’s no gasoline engine, there’s no engine oil to replace every few thousand miles.

That doesn’t mean EVs are maintenance-free—they still have brake fluid, coolant (on many models), cabin air filters, tires, and suspension components—but regular oil changes disappear from the maintenance schedule.

2. Many EVs don’t come with a spare tire.

This surprised me when I bought my Volkswagen ID.4.

Many manufacturers use the extra space for weight savings or storage and instead include a tire repair kit or roadside assistance.

If having a spare matters to you, it’s worth checking before you buy.

3. The battery usually lasts much longer than people think.

Many people worry they’ll need a new battery after five years.

In reality, most modern EV batteries are designed to last well over 100,000 miles, and many owners are seeing far more than that with only gradual capacity loss.

Most manufacturers also include long battery warranties.

4. EVs still have a regular 12-volt battery.

This catches people off guard.

The large battery powers the vehicle, but there’s still a traditional 12-volt battery running electronics, computers, lights, and accessories.

If the 12-volt battery dies, the car may not start—even if the high-voltage battery is full.

5. Regenerative braking feels strange at first.

Instead of wasting energy as heat, many EVs use the electric motor to slow the car and send some energy back into the battery.

Some drivers hardly touch the brake pedal around town once they get used to it.

_{Learn more about regenerative braking}

6. You can charge at home.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that EV owners spend their lives waiting at public chargers.

Most charging actually happens overnight at home.

For many owners, it’s like plugging in a phone before bed.

7. Cold weather affects range—but so does driving a gas car.

Winter reduces battery efficiency, so you’ll likely see less range.

Gasoline vehicles also become less efficient in cold weather, but it’s less noticeable because gas stations are everywhere.

Knowing how temperature affects range makes winter planning much easier.

8. EVs are usually very quiet.

The lack of engine noise surprises nearly everyone during their first drive.

Some manufacturers even add artificial sounds at low speeds so pedestrians can hear the vehicle approaching.

9. Tire wear can be higher.

Electric vehicles often weigh more because of their battery packs, and they deliver instant torque.

That combination can wear tires faster than some comparable gas vehicles—especially if you enjoy quick acceleration.

Driving style makes a big difference.

10. They can sit for weeks without problems.

Many people assume an EV battery constantly drains while parked.

In reality, most modern EVs can sit for several weeks with very little battery loss.

For longer storage, keeping the battery around 50–60% charge is generally recommended.

Internal link: “How Long Can an EV Sit Without Being Driven?”

Final Thoughts

Electric vehicles aren’t perfect, and they aren’t for everyone. But many of the biggest concerns people have turn out to be based on misconceptions rather than real ownership experience.

The more you understand how they work, the easier it becomes to decide whether an EV fits your lifestyle.

How Long Can an Electric Vehicle Sit Without Being Driven?

July 8, 2026 / Truth Driver

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.

EV	Gas vehicle
No engine oil circulation concerns	Oil drains off engine components over time
No fuel degradation	Gasoline slowly degrades
No fuel injectors to gum up	Fuel system can varnish during long storage
No exhaust moisture concerns	Short trips and storage can encourage condensation
Very little routine maintenance	More 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 Are Electric Vehicles So Controversial?

July 7, 2026 / Truth Driver

Spend five minutes in the comments section of almost any EV article and you’ll see the same arguments.

Someone says hybrids are better. Someone says EVs are a scam. Someone says the grid can’t handle them. Someone else posts one negative headline and says, “See, I told you.”

So what’s actually going on?

The truth is that electric vehicles are not perfect, but they also aren’t failing the way social media often makes it seem.

EVs Became a Culture War Topic

For a lot of people, cars are personal. They are tied to identity, politics, income, geography, lifestyle, and even masculinity. So when EVs became associated with government policy, environmental rules, tax credits, and big changes in the auto industry, they became more than just cars.

They became symbols.

That is why some people react emotionally to EV news. A battery recall, charging problem, resale issue, or canceled model becomes proof that the entire idea was bad from the start.

But that is not how technology adoption usually works.

Hybrids Really Are Having a Moment

The people saying hybrids are a practical middle ground are not completely wrong.

Hybrids make sense for many drivers. They are familiar, easy to fuel, usually less expensive than many EVs, and do not require charging behavior changes. For people who drive long distances, live in apartments, tow frequently, or do not have home charging, a hybrid may genuinely be the better choice right now.

That does not mean EVs are a failure.

It means different powertrains fit different use cases.

Social Media Makes the Debate Worse

Social media rewards conflict.

A headline like:

“EV Sales Growth Slows”

will often get more engagement than:

“EV Adoption Continues Unevenly as the Market Matures”

The first one creates an argument. The second one is closer to reality.

Negative EV stories get amplified because they trigger both sides. EV supporters defend the technology. EV critics pile on. The algorithm does not care who is right. It cares that people are arguing.

That makes the online conversation feel much louder and more dramatic than the actual market data.

What Does the Data Say?

Globally, EVs are still growing. Electric car sales exceeded 17 million worldwide in 2024 and represented more than 20% of global new-car sales.

In the United States, the story is more mixed. EV adoption has grown over the past several years, but the market has also hit bumps due to pricing, charging concerns, interest rates, model availability, and policy changes. U.S. plug-in vehicle share has hovered around the high single digits recently, with some monthly and quarterly swings.

That means two things can be true at the same time:

EVs are not taking over overnight.
EVs are not going away.

The Real Answer

The reality is less dramatic than the comment sections.

EVs are excellent for some people:

Home charging
Predictable daily driving
Lower routine maintenance
Quiet operation
Strong performance
Less dependence on gas

Hybrids are excellent for others:

No charging required
Better road-trip flexibility
Lower transition anxiety
Familiar ownership experience
Strong fuel economy

Gas vehicles still make sense for some drivers too, especially in cases involving cost, towing, rural use, or limited charging access.

Where Can You Check the Real Trend?

If you want to get past the noise, look at actual sales data instead of comment sections.

Good sources include:

International Energy Agency Global EV Outlook
Argonne National Laboratory light-duty electric drive vehicle sales updates
Cox Automotive / Kelley Blue Book EV sales reports
Bureau of Transportation Statistics vehicle sales tables

Those sources show a more realistic picture: EV growth is real, but uneven. Hybrids are growing too. Gas vehicles still dominate in many markets. The transition is happening, but it is messy.

Final Thought

Electric vehicles are controversial because they sit at the intersection of technology, politics, infrastructure, money, identity, and habit.

That makes them perfect fuel for online arguments.

But outside the comment section, the truth is simpler:

EVs are not magic. Hybrids are not a conspiracy. Gas vehicles are not disappearing tomorrow.

The real question is not “Which one is best?”

The better question is:

Which one fits your life right now?

For some people, that answer is an EV. For others, it is a hybrid. For others, it is still a gas vehicle.

And that is okay.

_{^{For source checking: IEA says global EV sales exceeded 17 million in 2024 and topped 20% of global car sales, while Argonne shows U.S. plug-in vehicle share around 9.9% in 2024, 9.1% in 2025, and 7.1% for May 2026 monthly sales. Cox also reported a U.S. EV share peak in Q3 2025 followed by a Q4 drop, which explains why headlines can look dramatic even when the longer-term picture is more mixed.}}

🔥 Driving an EV in 90+ degree heat: What you need to know

June 22, 2025 / Truth Driver

If you’ve been sweating it out in your EV lately, you’re not alone. With temperatures hitting 90 degrees and up around the US, it’s natural to wonder:

Is blasting the A/C going to wreck my range?

Should I crack the window instead?

How different is EV heat management compared to gas cars?

Let’s break it down.

Key Considerations When Driving Your EV in the Heat

1. Climate control eats range — but not as much as you’d think
Unlike ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) cars, EVs don’t “waste” engine heat for cabin comfort. Instead, they draw from your battery. (Womp womp) Turning the A/C on will reduce range, but usually only by 5–10%, especially in modern EVs with efficient systems.
2. Heat pumps help a LOT
If your EV has a heat pump (like many Teslas, Hyundai Ioniq 5, or some VW ID.4 trims), it uses ambient air more efficiently. That means less battery drain to cool you down.
3. Pre-conditioning is your friend
You can cool the car while it’s plugged in so it doesn’t zap your range once you unplug. Use your app or scheduled departure feature when possible.
4. EV batteries hate extreme heat
High temps can accelerate long-term battery degradation — not instantly, but over time. Park in the shade, use a sunshade, and avoid deep fast charges if your battery is already scorching.
5. Cabin temp doesn’t match engine temp
Since EVs don’t have a traditional engine, heat buildup is more gradual. You might not feel it right away, but battery temps can spike during long drives or DC fast charging.

❄️ Pro Tip:

Cracking the window can help a little, but don’t suffer. Your comfort matters, and today’s EVs are designed to manage temperature efficiently. Just be mindful of your range if you’re far from a charger.

How EVs Differ From ICE/Hybrids in the Heat:

Feature	EV	ICE/Hybrid
Cabin A/C Source	Battery-powered	Engine heat + A/C compressor
Idle Cooling	Silent, efficient	Requires engine running
Pre-cooling while plugged in	Yes	No or limited
Waste heat availability	Minimal	High (engine)
Battery heat sensitivity	High	Lower

Bottom line: Hot weather has SOME effect on EVs, but it’s totally manageable with a little awareness. Use your tech, precondition when you can, and stay cool — literally and figuratively.

Is It Bad to Always Use Fast Chargers for Your EV?

June 18, 2025 / Truth Driver

Here’s a question I hear a lot — and honestly, I asked it myself early on:

“Can I fast charge all the time? Will it ruin my battery?”

If you’re on the go a lot, or just don’t have a home charger set up yet, it’s tempting to rely on DC fast charging (like Electrify America, EVgo, etc.) as your main fuel source.

But there are some things you should know before making that your default.

⚡ Fast Charging: The Basics
Fast charging = DC charging (usually 150kW to 350kW)

Designed to charge your EV from ~10% to 80% in 20–40 minutes

Super convenient on road trips or in a pinch

🔧 So… Is It Bad for the Battery?
Not exactly — but it’s not ideal for daily use.

Most EV manufacturers (Volkswagen, Ford, Kia, etc.) say:

You can fast charge regularly, but for battery longevity, it’s better to use Level 2 charging (like a home charger) most of the time.

🧠 A Good Rule of Thumb:
Fast charge when you need to. Home charge when you can.

Here’s why:
-Charging Type Effect on Battery
-Fast Charging (DC) Generates more heat → gradual long-term battery wear if overused
-Level 2 Charging (240V) Slower, gentler, better for day-to-day use
-Level 1 Charging (120V) Slowest, but totally safe – not practical for full charges

✅ My Real-World Practice:
I fast charge when I’m on the road, or need a quick top-up, but:

At home, I plug into my Level 2 charger overnight

I avoid charging to 100% on fast chargers unless I really need it

If I know I’ll be sitting for a while, I’ll always choose slower charging to ease wear on the battery

🚫 What You Don’t Want to Do:
Use DC fast charging every single day — it adds up over time

Always charge to 100% on DC – topping off frequently at high power = heat + stress

Leave your EV parked at 100% state of charge for long periods

💡 Final Thought:
You don’t need to fear fast charging. But think of it like caffeine – great in a pinch, not something you want to live on 24/7.

Want your battery to last?
Use fast charging when you need it – but get set up for home charging.

Stuck Charger? Here’s How We Freed a Lyriq at Electrify America

June 16, 2025 / Truth Driver

Today I ended up helping a fellow EV driver at an Electrify America station — and it turned into a great reminder of how fast things can go sideways when tech meets real life.

The car? A 2025 Cadillac Lyriq.
Beautiful ride. But the charger? Stuck. Locked in place. Wouldn’t release.

She had already called support and was waiting on them to do… something. Meanwhile, it just sat there – the cord locked tight. I could see she was flustered, so I stepped in to help, along with another woman nearby.

After a few minutes of going through the basics, I remembered something I’d read (shoutout to ChatGPT for helping me think through it earlier): there’s an emergency release latch near the charging port.

Sure enough — we guided her to pull it, and it worked. Charger released, crisis averted.

💡 What Actually Happened?

It looked like a weird combination of a software bug and hardware lockout.
The car might have been idling-charging or in a weird post-charge state, and the cord locked up as a safety measure.
Classic EV moment: high tech meets low control.

✅ What to Do If This Happens to You

Step 1: Don’t panic.
Take a breath. EVs are safety-first, so the system might just need a second to reset or finish communicating.

Step 2: Check the basics.

Is the car still actively charging?
Does the dash say “charging complete” or “ready to unplug”?
Is the cord locked visually, or just resisting?

Step 3: Try the official method first.

Use the vehicle’s unlock button or app
Wait 30–60 seconds after charging completes

Step 4: Call support (Electrify America, Tesla, etc.)

Start a ticket. But don’t wait forever – tech support can lag.

Step 5: Use the emergency release

Most EVs (including the Lyriq) have a manual latch or pull tab inside or near the charging port.
It might be behind a panel or rubber flap — check the manual or look it up on your phone.