Drivers of gas-powered vehicles may experience variations in miles per gallon, but a gas station is likely within easy reach. The recharging network for electric vehicles is less developed, making it critical for EV drivers to understand the impact of extreme temperatures on driving range.
“Electric vehicles are growing in popularity because motorists enjoy the reduced fuel costs,” said John Paul, AAA Southern New England’s traffic safety manager. “However, EV drivers need to carefully monitor driving range in hot weather to be better prepared to alter plans if an additional charge is needed.”
Electric vehicles are environmentally-friendly and have the added benefit of reducing dependence on imported oil because they use domestically produced energy. Recent evaluations by AAA, however, found that electric vehicle range can be reduced by an average of 33% when temperatures rise to 95 degrees.
The study tested EVs on a dynamometer using the Environmental Protection Agency’s City Driving cycle which simulates stop-and-go traffic, consistent with EPA ratings listed on the window sticker. The average EV battery range in AAA’s test was 105 miles at 75 degrees, but dropped to 69 miles per full charge at 95 degrees. The AAA research was conducted with the Auto Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center.
“Proper tire pressure can benefit EV mileage just as it does for gas vehicles,” said Paul. “Motorists also can keep their EV in the garage or the shade to reduce the internal temperature, and cool the interior while the vehicle is plugged in to reduce the drain on the battery.”
EVs provide owners with many benefits, but every motorist needs to be aware of conditions that can impact vehicle driving range. Mapping tools such as the AAA TripTik Travel Planner pinpoint charging stations to keep motorists on the go.
AAA Southern New England is a not-for-profit auto club with 50 offices in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Jersey, providing more than 3.5 million local AAA members with travel, insurance, finance, and auto-related services.
