Electric cars are great for cleaner and greener traffic in the Philippines and around the globe, offering the convenience of private travel without harmful emissions.
However, a problem persists—the Philippines' unpredictable weather is notorious for sudden downpours and scorching heat. Can these types of climates accommodate electric cars?
Answering this question entails knowing how to prepare electric cars for cold weather, heavy rain, and other weather conditions.
How Electric Cars Thrive in Extreme Weather Conditions in the Philippines
EVs are resilient in different weather conditions, including the Philippines' harshest climates. However, these environments can still impact your car's performance.
1. Electric cars in cold weather
December through February are the country's coolest months, with temperatures dropping
as low as 21°C (70°F). Certain areas may even sometimes
drop below 10°C (50°F).
Fortunately, electric cars can handle
up to around 4°C (39°F)—although the Philippines has never recorded temperatures of this degree. Below this figure, statistics state that driving range falls by 25% when cruising at 113 kph (70 mph).
2. Electric cars in hot weather
It's natural to think that an electric car in hot weather is prone to damage because higher temperatures
degrade the battery much faster.
However, some batteries withstand heat much better than others. For example, BYD's Ultra Safe Blade Battery has quality standards that pass rigorous testing, such as forced overheating and short-circuiting, without igniting or exploding.
BYD, a battery industry pioneer for over 26 years, supplies batteries for global consumer electronics and appliances. In 2020, we introduced the Blade Battery for EVs, which is renowned for its efficiency and safety. It is unique for passing the nail penetration test without emitting smoke or fire, and its surface temperature remains low.
What is even more impressive is it survived extreme tests – including being rolled over by a 46-tonne truck, heated to 300°C, and overcharged by 260% – without catching fire or exploding, showcasing remarkable safety and reliability. As the world's second-largest EV battery supplier, BYD's batteries power 16% of global EVs.
3. Electric cars in heavy rain
Filipino vehicles are no strangers to typhoons. The country sees
about 20 tropical cyclones annually, with at least eight hitting land, and this usually happens in the second half of the year.
Rest assured, your EV's electrical components are safe from heavy rain. You may charge and drive them through downpours, provided you don't wade them through deep floods.
4. Electric cars in a flood
Electric cars are weather-resistant, performing slightly better than ICEVs in wet conditions due to enclosed battery components, eliminating the risk of water entering the engine or exhaust systems. However, no vehicle is waterproof; flooded EVs may experience short circuits. Exercise caution when driving EVs in deep floods, as with all vehicles.
12 Tips to Prepare Electric Cars for Harsh Weather Conditions in the Philippines
Prepare and protect your EV from weather and temperature-related damage by practicing these tips before and after drives.
Cold weather
1. Top up your tires
Cold-weather driving is inefficient, especially with low tire pressure. These factors combined negatively impact your mileage by
up to 3%. Always check your tire pressure with a gauge or your car's
tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and inflate them to their recommended levels.
2. Precondition the car before driving
Reduce battery strain and improve driving comfort by starting your car before taking it out for a trip. Many EVs allow warming up the interior remotely via a smartphone app or their key fobs while prepping the battery to shield it from low temps.
3. Ensure proper cabin insulation
Car cabin insulation helps retain heat and improve driving comfort during cold climates. It also reduces the strain on heating systems, extending battery range. Inspecting your EV's door seals and weather stripping is best to ensure they're intact and prevent cold air from entering the cabin.
Rainstorms
4. Use traction control systems
Most cars feature
traction control systems (TCS) that automatically adjust power delivery to individual wheels, preventing control loss and slides. It's advisable to familiarize yourself with your car's traction mechanisms and enable them to optimize your grip on wet roads during heavy rain.
5. Maintain insulation
Safeguard your EV against water ingress by regularly inspecting and maintaining its insulation. Check the cabin seals for signs of damage, then replace them whenever necessary to keep them effective. Pay special attention to areas that can easily cause leaks, such as windows and doors.
6. Clear drainage channels
Drainage channels often fill with debris and leaves during heavy winds, especially when you park your car outside. So, make it a habit to clear them so you can prevent water from pooling in these areas. What often does the trick is cleaning them with compressed air.
Tropical heat
7. Park in shaded areas
Every car owner knows how hot cabins get under direct sunlight, so park your car in a shaded area with trees or enclosed car parks to minimize heat buildup. This simple method allows you to reduce AC strain and, in turn, extends its driving range.
8. Use thermal insulation accessories
Reflective sunshades for your windshield and windows also minimize the heat entering your vehicle by blocking most of the sunlight. Consider tinting your windows to reduce solar heat if you want a more permanent solution.
9. Maintain thermal management systems
Thermal management is an EV battery cooling system that optimizes its performance and longevity even on hot days. Regularly maintain or service this component for optimal working conditions and to prevent the battery from overheating and potentially igniting.
Heavy flooding
10. Avoid wading through flooded areas
A straightforward way of protecting your EV from water damage is to avoid driving through floods. Even shallow water can fry electrical components and compromise safety. So, when you encounter a flooded road, seek alternate routes or wait until the water recedes to a manageable level before driving through.
11. Inspect the car for water damage
If you must navigate flooded areas, inspect your car for damage afterward. Check for water under floor mats and carpets while examining the battery, motor, and wiring for signs of water intrusion. If you suspect water is in sensitive areas of your electric car, don't attempt to start it; instead, contact a technician ASAP.
12. Keep a list of emergency tow services
If your EV is stranded or disabled due to flooding, having access to emergency tow services is invaluable. So, keep a list of towing companies or roadside assistance providers handy so you can leave the situation and visit a servicing center promptly.
Enjoy a Safer Drive, Rain or Shine
Proper EV preparation for the Philippines' diverse weather conditions ensures optimum performance, safety, and longevity under rain or shine. So, observe the practices above before and after your drives. Then, you can enjoy smoother travel with your electric car as you steer through the country's roads.
Do you want a more reliable EV driving experience?
BYD Pampanga offers a unique range of electric cars tailored to Filipino drivers' needs and engineered to operate seamlessly under the country's weather. Together, we can push the Philippines toward a more sustainable future.
