The scorching summer brings heatwaves that make outdoor conditions unbearable—not just for people, but also for charging piles. After prolonged exposure to high temperatures, common issues such as overheating shutdowns and critical component failures occur frequently. Without proper care, charging piles can easily fall victim to the heat. So, how can we ensure proper maintenance and management of charging piles to withstand this extreme “heat challenge”? Don’t worry—this article has all the answers.
Due to climatic influences, many regions across the country are experiencing temperatures nearing 40°C. Charging equipment in high-temperature areas is particularly susceptible to the following hot-weather challenges:

Many EV owners have reported overheating gun heads during charging, especially during summer. Repeated plugging and unplugging increase wear and internal resistance, causing the gun head temperature to rise dramatically—sometimes even reaching 90°C during high-current charging.

Heat accumulation significantly increases the cooling pressure on internal modules. When module temperatures rise excessively, over-temperature derating or complete shutdown may occur, greatly elevating safety risks.

Summer weather is unpredictable, alternating between extreme heat and heavy rain. Humidity and heat combined can cause corrosion and rust on the charging pile’s housing, especially in coastal areas with high salt mist, accelerating aging and rusting.

So, what key factors should charging stations in high-temperature regions consider when selecting charging piles?
Addressing Gun Head Overheating: Opt for charging guns from mainstream brands. These manufacturers often use nickel + silver plating to enhance wear resistance. Ultrasonic welding technology further adds a layer of protection, enabling the gun head to better withstand high temperatures and frequent use.
Preventing Module Failure: When purchasing a charging pile, pay attention to its operating temperature range, especially the derating temperature point. National standards require an ambient temperature range of -25°C to 40°C. It’s advisable to choose charging piles that operate at up to 50°C without derating. Such models are more resilient in high temperatures. Also, consider the protection technology of the charging module: automotive-grade immersion coating or potting technology offers moisture, dust, and corrosion resistance, ensuring stable performance even in harsh environments.
Ensuring Environmental Stability: Remember three key indicators:

1.Protection Rating
2.Lightning Protection Design
3.Housing Material

Standard stations should have at least an IP54 protection rating, providing basic protection. For heavy-duty truck stations, IP55-rated charging piles are recommended for stronger durability and reliability.
Lightning protection components such as arresters, protection boards, and fuses are essential. For the housing, aluminum-zinc-plated steel offers better corrosion resistance. In coastal areas, stainless steel materials are necessary to withstand harsh conditions.
In regions prone to typhoons or floods, choose charging piles with tilt detection, water immersion detection, and power-off protection functions.

Beyond careful equipment selection, what other key aspects should be highlighted during summer station operations?

Conduct monthly or quarterly power-off inspections. Check if the filter screen is clogged with dust, as this affects heat dissipation. Clean the filter screen to improve cooling and extend the equipment’s lifespan.
Also, inspect the gun head and internal power components for signs of blackening or burning. Check the charging modules for abnormalities. If any issues are detected, contact after-sales support promptly for further investigation and replacement.

High temperatures increase fire risks. Place ABC dry powder fire extinguishers near each charging pile like safety guards. Check the pressure gauge monthly—ensure the needle is in the green zone.

Summer is also the rainy season. Ensure drainage systems are unclogged for smooth water discharge. Elevate charging piles with 20 cm concrete bases or place flood barriers and small pumps in low-lying areas to prevent water accumulation in cable trenches. This way, even heavy rain won’t compromise operations.

Always return the gun head to its place after use. Leaving it exposed to rain and dust significantly reduces its lifespan.

In Summary: For stations in high-temperature areas, remember these four keywords—Inspection, Flood Preparedness, Fire Safety, and Education. With these in place, charging piles will operate reliably, and EV owners can charge with peace of mind. Summer is a critical period for charging operations. Only through proper equipment maintenance and temperature management can charging stations ensure stable and efficient performance.
Hotson is committed to providing efficient, safe high-voltage DC contactors for DC charging station solution and your trusted partner. For consultation or more information, please visit our website or contact our sales team directly. We look forward to working with you to promote industry development together!