Private hire drivers’ guide to EVs in hot weather

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming a familiar sight on UK roads, with more private hire drivers making the switch. While many are aware that cold weather can affect an EV’s performance, warmer months bring their own opportunities to optimise your driving experience.

Thanks to smart features and a little forward planning, EVs can thrive in summer conditions – helping you stay comfortable, preserve your range, keep your passengers happy, and boost your savings. Here’s how to make the most of your EV during the warmer months.

Hot weather & EVs: What you need to know

EVs are designed to handle a wide range of temperatures, and in many ways, they’re well-suited to summer driving due to the high-tech features and adaptable settings.

Your EV’s battery

Like any battery-powered tech, like your phone for example, high temperatures can influence performance. But modern EVs include a Battery Management System (BMS) that helps regulate temperature and protect battery health, so you can stay on the road with confidence.

Air conditioning vs driving style

While air conditioning does use some battery power, the impact is relatively small. In fact, your driving habits can have a bigger effect on range. According to data from Geotab, smooth and consistent driving saves more energy than simply turning off the air conditioning. That means harsh acceleration or high speeds will reduce your range more significantly than using the air con.

Just like petrol or diesel cars burn more fuel with harsh acceleration, the same goes for electric cars. The faster you drive, the more energy your battery needs to overcome wind resistance – so keep things smooth and steady to get more out of your car.

And there’s more good news – PodPoint shares that many EVs perform at their best between 20-25°C, a sweet spot we often enjoy here in the UK.

Top EVs with long range at Otto Car

If you’re looking to go further between charges, here at Otto Car, we offer a range of brand-new and used EVs with excellent battery capacity – ideal for long days and busy city shifts, no matter the weather.

• Toyota bZ4X Pure – 71.4 kWh battery, up to 317 miles
• Tesla Model Y – 75 kWh battery, up to 283 miles
• Polestar 2 Long Range – 78 kWh battery, up to 336 miles
• Skoda Enyaq 85 Edition Suite – 82 kWh battery, up to 348 miles
• Nissan Ariya Advance – 87 kWh battery, up to 329 miles

You can explore these models and more on our all-inclusive Rent to Buy plan, including insurance, servicing, breakdown cover, MOT and PHV licensing, road tax, and more.

Living outside of London? You can also explore our vehicles available on our Rent to Buy plan in Manchester, Birmingham, and Cardiff.

Smart summer driving tips for your EV

Summer brings plenty of opportunity for private hire drivers – with more outdoor events, festivals, school holidays and airport runs, demand often picks up in big city areas. Here’s how to keep your EV efficient, cool, and ready for anything this summer:

1. Drive smoothly and steadily in your EV

Consistent, calm driving helps save more of your EV’s range. Quick acceleration and high speeds increase energy use, just like in petrol or diesel vehicles. Instead, take advantage of regenerative braking in stop-start traffic to capture energy and feed it back into your battery.

Some EVs let you personalise your driving settings – so you can adjust performance based on your typical routes and style, saving time and energy in the long run.

2. Precondition your EV before you go

Preconditioning is a powerful feature that many EV drivers don’t use enough. If you’re charging at home, you can cool down (or heat up) your cabin before setting off – all while your car is still plugged in. This means you’re not using any range to get your car comfortable ahead of your day of work on the road.

Most modern EVs come with a mobile app to help you schedule this remotely, and even if you’re using public chargers, a little forward planning makes this easy to fit into your routine.

And don’t hesitate to use your air conditioning when you need it – keeping your battery and passengers cool on a hot day supports both performance and comfort. If you can do this while your car is still charging, then you’re saving some of that range for the road.

3. Use your EV’s tech: Eco mode

Eco mode helps your car use less energy by smoothing acceleration and using the car features, like air conditioning, more efficiently. It’s a great way to stretch your range on days when charging time is limited. Whether you’re on long shifts or squeezing in multiple airport trips, this feature helps your EV work smarter, not harder.

4. Park your EV in the shade

Reducing heat build-up while parked is a simple habit that can make a real difference. If you can, try to find shaded areas during breaks or pick-ups to reduce the need for heavy cooling. If you’re using public chargers in open areas, consider using a sunshade or protective cover to shield the cabin and dashboard.

5. Get organised with your EV charging

While fast charging is super convenient, try to avoid rapid charging during peak heat. Just like any tech, a hot battery doesn’t like to be topped up too quickly and it’s not the best way to keep your battery health in good working condition. Instead, aim for early morning or evening sessions when it’s cooler outside to top up your charge at the start or end of your shift.

Also, don’t forget, while it can feel comforting to always aim for 100% battery, the Energy Saving Trust recommended that keeping your charge between 20% and 80% helps preserve battery health long-term. It’s absolutely fine to charge to 100% for longer trips, but for everyday driving, you rarely need to.

6. Don’t forget to look after yourself too

Your EV isn’t the only one that needs looking after in hot weather – as a private hire driver, your own comfort and wellbeing are just as important.

Spending long hours on the road during heatwaves can be tough, especially when working around airports, events, or city traffic. Just like your EV runs better with the right care, you’ll perform better when you’re cool, hydrated, and well-prepared.

Read our full list of hot weather tips for private hire drivers.

And if you’re looking for year-round advice on managing stress, staying motivated, and creating a healthier driving routine, check out our dedicated guide on how to look after your wellbeing as a private hire driver.

Ready to get an EV that works as hard as you do?

Whether you’re already in an EV or thinking of switching, summer is a great time to maximise what your electric car has to offer. At Otto Car, we’re here to help private hire drivers get the most out of electric – with expert support, all-inclusive packages for peace of mind, and a growing range of EVs tailored to your needs.

Explore our range of electric vehicles through our Rent to Buy or PCO Car Hire plan that fits your needs. With our all-inclusive plans, you know that the weekly costs are clear and there won’t be surprises.

Visit one of our hubs or call 020 8740 7444. The friendly Otto Team is here to help.

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