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Can EVs Handle Desert Heat? We Put Them to the Test
Can EVs Handle Desert Heat? We Put Them to the Test

UAE Moments

time12-08-2025

  • Automotive
  • UAE Moments

Can EVs Handle Desert Heat? We Put Them to the Test

The Gulf summer is no joke—temperatures can soar past 50°C, asphalt shimmers like a mirage, and even your sunglasses sweat. But with the electric vehicle (EV) boom sweeping the Middle East, one burning question lingers: Can EVs handle the desert heat? We took the latest models from Tesla, BYD, BMW, and Hyundai for a week-long torture test in the UAE and Oman, pushing them through scorching highways, stop-and-go traffic, and sun-baked parking lots. The results? Surprisingly reassuring—with a few caveats. Why Heat Is an EV's Frenemy EVs actually love moderate warmth—batteries operate more efficiently when not freezing. But when the mercury climbs beyond 45°C, problems can arise: Battery Efficiency Drop: Extreme heat can speed up battery degradation and temporarily reduce range. Thermal Management Stress: Cooling systems work overtime, using up more power. Cabin Comfort Costs: Running air-conditioning at full blast eats into range—especially on city commutes. If you're searching EV desert performance, electric car heat resistance, or EV range in hot weather, you're in the right place. How the Cars Performed Tesla Model 3 Performance The Tesla's liquid-cooled battery system handled the heat without a hiccup. We saw a 7–10% drop in range during midday drives with AC set to 'Arctic Tundra' mode. Supercharging stations across the UAE also proved heat-resistant, with no throttling. BYD Atto 3 This budget-friendly EV impressed with strong cabin cooling and stable performance. Range drop was slightly higher—around 12%—but the battery didn't overheat thanks to BYD's 'Blade Battery' design. BMW iX Luxury met resilience. The iX's climate pre-conditioning meant we could step into a cool cabin even after leaving it in 48°C sun for two hours. However, rapid charging slowed marginally in the hottest part of the day. Hyundai Ioniq 5 A Gulf favorite, the Ioniq 5 balanced range and cooling efficiency well. We loved its Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature, which powered a portable fan during a desert picnic—because why not? 5 Tips to Keep Your EV Cool in Gulf Summers 1. Pre-Cool Before Driving – Use your EV app to start the AC while still plugged in. 2. Park in Shade Whenever Possible – Even partial shade can save 5–10% battery drain. 3. Limit DC Fast Charging in Peak Heat – Charging slower during extreme midday heat can preserve battery life. 4. Check Tire Pressure – Hot asphalt can push PSI higher; overinflation impacts handling. 5. Stay Updated on Software – Manufacturers often push heat-optimization updates for battery management. The Verdict Yes—modern EVs can handle desert heat, but they demand smart driving habits and a little thermal TLC. Manufacturers have engineered advanced cooling systems, heat-resistant battery chemistries, and AI-powered thermal management to keep things smooth, even when the Gulf feels like an oven. As EV adoption in the Middle East accelerates, these tests prove that range anxiety in the heat is becoming a thing of the past—though your AC bill might still be high. FAQ Can electric vehicles (EVs) handle the extreme heat of Gulf summers? Yes, modern EVs can handle the extreme heat of Gulf summers, thanks to advanced cooling systems, heat-resistant battery chemistries, and AI-powered thermal management. However, smart driving habits and thermal care are recommended for optimal performance. What happens to EV batteries in extreme heat? Extreme heat can speed up battery degradation and temporarily reduce range. EV cooling systems also work harder, consuming more power, and running air-conditioning extensively can further impact range, especially in city traffic. How did the Tesla Model 3 Performance fare during the desert heat tests? The Tesla Model 3 Performance handled the heat exceptionally well, with its liquid-cooled battery system showing no issues. Range dropped by 7–10% during midday drives, and supercharging stations in the UAE operated without any throttling. How did the BYD Atto 3 perform under Gulf heat conditions? The BYD Atto 3 impressed with strong cabin cooling and stable performance. It experienced a slightly higher range drop of around 12%, but its 'Blade Battery' design prevented overheating. Did the BMW iX experience any issues in extreme heat? The BMW iX performed well, offering luxury and resilience. Its climate pre-conditioning made it comfortable even after being parked in 48°C sun for hours. However, rapid charging slowed slightly during peak heat. What stood out about the Hyundai Ioniq 5 during testing? The Hyundai Ioniq 5 balanced range and cooling efficiency effectively. Its Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature allowed it to power external devices, like a portable fan during a desert picnic. What tips can help keep an EV cool in Gulf summers? Key tips include pre-cooling the car while it's still plugged in, parking in shade, limiting DC fast charging during midday heat, monitoring tire pressure, and updating EV software for heat optimization. Does running air conditioning in an EV significantly reduce its range? Yes, running air conditioning, especially at full blast, can reduce an EV's range, particularly during city commutes in intense heat. Are there any concerns about charging EVs in extreme heat? Charging in extreme heat can cause rapid charging to slow down to protect the battery. Limiting DC fast charging during peak heat is recommended to preserve the battery's lifespan. Is range anxiety still a significant concern for EV owners in the Middle East? Range anxiety in extreme heat is becoming less of a concern as manufacturers improve EV cooling systems and optimize performance for high temperatures. However, proper thermal management and smart driving habits are still critical.

Nothing Phone (3) vs. iPhone 16 Plus: The ULTIMATE Battery Testt
Nothing Phone (3) vs. iPhone 16 Plus: The ULTIMATE Battery Testt

Geeky Gadgets

time29-07-2025

  • Geeky Gadgets

Nothing Phone (3) vs. iPhone 16 Plus: The ULTIMATE Battery Testt

The Nothing Phone 3 presents a blend of strengths and weaknesses in the realm of battery efficiency and overall performance. While it shines in areas like charging speed and specific use cases, it struggles to compete with flagship devices such as the iPhone 16 Plus in terms of efficiency. The video below fromPhoneBuff provides more insights into its battery capacity, hardware efficiency, display technology, and performance, offering a detailed perspective on its position in the competitive smartphone market. Watch this video on YouTube. Battery Capacity: Two Variants, Different Capacities The Nothing Phone 3 is available in two distinct variants, each featuring a different battery capacity: The Indian variant is equipped with a 5,500 mAh battery , offering slightly more endurance. , offering slightly more endurance. The global version, on the other hand, comes with a 5,150 mAh battery, which is slightly smaller but still respectable. These capacities are sufficient for most modern smartphone users, but they fall short of delivering exceptional endurance. This limitation is primarily due to the phone's reliance on less efficient hardware, which prevents it from fully using its battery potential. While the battery size is competitive, it does not translate into standout performance in real-world usage. Hardware Efficiency: The Impact of the Snapdragon 8S Gen 4 Chipset At the core of the Nothing Phone 3 lies the Snapdragon 8S Gen 4 chipset, built on a 4nm process. This processor delivers reliable performance across a variety of tasks, but it is less efficient compared to the 3nm chipsets found in flagship devices like Apple's A18. The smaller transistor size in 3nm designs allows for superior power management and energy efficiency, giving competitors a significant edge in both battery life and intensive task performance. The 4nm chipset in the Nothing Phone 3 performs adequately for everyday tasks, but it struggles to match the efficiency of newer technologies. This disparity becomes particularly evident during power-hungry activities, where the device consumes more energy than its flagship counterparts. While the Snapdragon 8S Gen 4 is a capable processor, its limitations in efficiency hinder the phone's ability to compete at the highest level. Display Technology: Efficiency Trade-Offs The Nothing Phone 3 features an LTPS display with a 60 Hz refresh rate, a setup that prioritizes power conservation over innovative technology. While this approach helps reduce energy consumption compared to higher refresh rate panels, it lacks the adaptive efficiency of LTPO displays. LTPO technology enables dynamic refresh rate adjustments based on usage, significantly lowering power consumption during less demanding tasks such as reading or idle periods. The absence of LTPO technology in the Nothing Phone 3 results in higher energy consumption during prolonged use. Although the 60 Hz refresh rate is sufficient for basic tasks, it feels outdated compared to the adaptive displays found in many modern smartphones. This missed opportunity to incorporate more efficient display technology contributes to the phone's average battery performance. Performance: Reliable but Uneven The Nothing Phone 3 delivers solid performance in everyday tasks such as browsing, messaging, and email. In these scenarios, it often matches or slightly trails the iPhone 16 Plus. However, its strengths become more apparent in specific use cases: Gaming: The Snapdragon 8S Gen 4 chipset excels in handling graphics-intensive tasks , making the phone a strong choice for gamers. The Snapdragon 8S Gen 4 chipset excels in handling , making the phone a strong choice for gamers. Audio Streaming: The device is highly efficient during Spotify playback , offering extended listening times without significant battery drain. The device is highly efficient during , offering extended listening times without significant battery drain. Standby Mode: The phone performs well when idle, conserving power effectively and extending battery life during periods of inactivity. Despite these strengths, the Nothing Phone 3 struggles with intensive multitasking and power-hungry applications like Snapchat and app cycling. In these scenarios, the iPhone 16 Plus outperforms it, thanks to its more efficient hardware and advanced power management capabilities. While the Nothing Phone 3 is reliable for most tasks, its performance is uneven when pushed to its limits. Charging Speed: A Standout Feature One of the most impressive aspects of the Nothing Phone 3 is its 65W fast charging capability. This feature allows the device to achieve a significant battery boost in a short amount of time, far surpassing the 27W charging speed of the iPhone 16 Plus. For users who prioritize quick top-ups, this is a major advantage that enhances the phone's overall usability. However, while the fast charging speed is a clear strength, it does not fully compensate for the phone's efficiency shortcomings. The ability to charge quickly is valuable, but it does not address the underlying issues of higher energy consumption during regular use. As a result, the Nothing Phone 3 remains a device with notable strengths but also significant limitations. Strengths and Areas for Improvement The Nothing Phone 3 offers several key strengths that make it a compelling option for certain users: 65W fast charging technology, allowing rapid battery replenishment. technology, allowing rapid battery replenishment. Strong gaming performance , powered by the Snapdragon 8S Gen 4 chipset. , powered by the Snapdragon 8S Gen 4 chipset. Efficient standby battery life, conserving power during idle periods. However, the device also has notable areas for improvement: Less efficient 4nm chipset , which lags behind the 3nm designs of flagship competitors. , which lags behind the 3nm designs of flagship competitors. Outdated LTPS display technology , lacking the adaptive efficiency of LTPO panels. , lacking the adaptive efficiency of LTPO panels. Inconsistent performance during intensive multitasking and demanding applications. A Balanced Contender with Room for Growth The Nothing Phone 3 strikes a balance between performance and battery life, making it a viable choice for users who value fast charging and gaming capabilities. However, it falls short of setting new standards in efficiency, particularly when compared to flagship devices like the iPhone 16 Plus. To remain competitive, future iterations of the Nothing Phone would benefit from adopting more advanced hardware and adaptive display technologies. While the Nothing Phone 3 is a capable device, it is clear that there is significant room for improvement as it seeks to challenge the top-tier competition. Take a look at other insightful guides from our broad collection that might capture your interest in Battery Efficiency. Source & Image Credit: PhoneBuff Filed Under: Android News, Apple iPhone, Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.

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