How EVs Perform in Extreme Heat and Cold — AAA’s Testing Reveals the Real Impact
EVs tend to operate best in moderate conditions, much like people feel most comfortable in mild weather. Battery performance is typically optimal in temperatures ranging from about 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). When conditions move far above or below that range, efficiency begins to drop.
In extreme heat or cold, EV batteries become less efficient and require additional energy to regulate both battery temperature and cabin climate. This directly affects how far the vehicle can travel on a single charge.
According to new research from the American Automobile Association (AAA), shared exclusively with NPR, temperature has a measurable impact on modern EV range. The study found that high heat reduced driving range by about 8.5% on average, while cold weather caused a far more severe drop of roughly 39%.
AAA compared these findings with a similar test conducted in 2019 using a different group of vehicles. At that time, cold weather produced nearly the same level of range loss, but hot conditions led to a much larger decline of around 17%. While differences in test vehicles make direct comparisons difficult, AAA says the data suggests EVs have improved in handling heat, but not significantly in handling cold.
Greg Brannon, director of automotive engineering at AAA, noted that while EV technology has advanced—thanks to improved battery chemistry, software, and overall efficiency—winter performance has remained largely unchanged over the years. He emphasized that cold-weather limitations continue to be a consistent challenge for electric vehicles.
AAA’s findings highlight an important reality for drivers: EV range will naturally shrink in both hot and cold climates, especially in winter. However, experts stress that these limitations are manageable with proper planning. EVs remain practical in most regions as long as drivers account for predictable seasonal range reductions.
How AAA conducts the testing
The research is carried out at AAA’s Automotive Research Center in Los Angeles, inside a highly controlled environmental testing chamber. The facility can simulate temperatures ranging from about 20°F to 95°F (-6°C to 35°C).
Inside the chamber is a chassis dynamometer—essentially a large-scale treadmill for vehicles—where a car is secured and its wheels rest on massive steel rollers. The setup allows researchers to simulate real-world driving conditions without the vehicle actually moving.
During testing, the vehicle is driven until its battery is nearly depleted, at which point it can no longer maintain highway speeds. This process helps AAA measure how temperature directly affects driving range under consistent conditions.
Summer vs. winter performance differences
The results show that while EVs lose some efficiency in hot weather, the impact is relatively modest compared to cold conditions. Hybrid vehicles tested in the same study also showed reduced efficiency in low temperatures, with fuel economy dropping by about 23%.
Experts note that this issue is not exclusive to electric vehicles. Internal combustion engines also experience reduced efficiency in cold conditions. The United States Environmental Protection Agency has estimated that gasoline-powered cars can lose between 10% and 30% of fuel economy in winter, depending on driving patterns.
Ed Kim of AutoPacific added that all vehicle types are affected by extreme temperatures, not just EVs, reinforcing that cold weather impacts transportation more broadly.
Global adoption despite winter challenges
Even with reduced winter range, EV adoption continues to grow in colder regions. For example, Norway has become a global leader in electric vehicle use, with nearly all new vehicle sales being fully electric in 2026, despite harsh winter conditions.
In the United States, however, EV adoption tends to be stronger in warmer or milder climates. Analysts point out that this is influenced by multiple factors, including infrastructure and policy, but concerns about winter range still play a role in consumer hesitation.
How drivers can improve EV efficiency year-round
Experts say that while temperature-related range loss cannot be fully avoided, it can be managed effectively. Choosing a vehicle suited to local climate conditions is an important first step, as some models perform better in extreme temperatures than others.
Planning ahead also helps significantly. For most daily commutes, especially for drivers with home charging, seasonal range loss is rarely a major issue. However, long-distance travel requires more careful charging strategies during winter months.
Pre-conditioning the vehicle—warming or cooling the cabin while it is still plugged in—can help preserve battery charge. This ensures that energy is drawn from the grid rather than the battery itself.
Using heated or ventilated seats instead of relying heavily on air conditioning or cabin heating can also improve efficiency, as climate control systems are among the biggest energy drains in a vehicle.
Finally, maintaining proper tire pressure and driving at steady, moderate speeds can further improve efficiency regardless of weather conditions or vehicle type.
