In the UAE's high-temperature climate and specific driving conditions, electric vehicle (EV) motor overheating is typically caused by a combination of constrained cooling systems, high ambient temperatures, and driving habits, rather than a fundamental design flaw in models like the Tesla Model Y or BYD Dolphin. The primary issue is that the active liquid cooling system, while efficient, can struggle when its intake grilles and radiators are clogged with fine desert sand and dust—common after driving on dusty roads or near desert areas. According to the RTA Dubai's 2023 EV report, the growing adoption of EVs in the emirate has highlighted maintenance needs specific to the local environment. Furthermore, data from the MOI UAE indicates that vehicle cooling system failures are among the top reasons for summer breakdowns. Continuous high-speed driving on highways like Dubai-Abu Dhabi EC-1 Road in 45°C+ heat, combined with prolonged use of max air-conditioning, places a sustained high load on the drive unit and its cooling circuit. The frequent use of DC fast chargers, especially during peak heat hours, adds significant thermal stress to the battery pack, which shares thermal management resources with the motor. For the GCC-spec versions sold here, ensuring the front lower grille and side vents are clean every two weeks is crucial. If the motor temperature warning appears, reduce speed, turn off aggressive regenerative braking settings, and moderate AC use to lower the electrical load. For persistent overheating, especially in vehicles over 5 years old, a specialist check of the coolant level, pump, and thermal management system calibration is essential, as recommended by Abu Dhabi Mobility for EV safety.
