The Truth About EVs

Tag: Functionality

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.

10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Electric Vehicles

July 8, 2026 /

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 /

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.

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.

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