A new study by the American Automobile Association (AAA) has found that the range of electric and hybrid vehicles is significantly reduced in extreme weather conditions, leading to increased costs. The impact is even more noticeable in cold weather.
Researchers at AAA conducted tests on three electric vehicles and three hybrid vehicles in test chambers set at temperatures of 20 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately -6 degrees Celsius), 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius), and 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius). The results showed that extreme temperatures can reduce the efficiency and range of electric and hybrid vehicles.
Greg Brannon, AAA’s Director of Automotive Engineering and Research, mentioned, “In cold weather, the range of electric vehicles is significantly reduced, which is consistent with our previous research findings. However, surprisingly, the fuel efficiency of hybrid vehicles decreased by 23% in low-temperature environments.”
The purpose of this study is to help consumers better understand how temperature affects the performance of electric vehicles. Here are some key findings:
In conditions of high temperature at 95 degrees Fahrenheit, the fuel efficiency of hybrid vehicles decreased by 12% (measured in miles per gallon efficiency). This directly adds to the costs for owners, increasing by $13.02 per 1,000 miles driven.
Under high temperatures, the energy efficiency of pure electric vehicles decreased by 10.4% (measured in miles per gallon equivalent). At the same time, the range also decreased by 8.5% compared to conditions at 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
For electric vehicle owners charging at home, the cost increases by $6.78 per 1,000 miles, while using public charging stations adds $16.25 per 1,000 miles.
In conditions of 20 degrees Fahrenheit, the fuel efficiency of hybrid vehicles decreased by 22.8%, and the energy efficiency of electric vehicles decreased by 35.6%, resulting in a 39% reduction in range.
The impact of low temperatures on owners’ costs is greater. The fuel costs for hybrid vehicles increase by $28.44 per 1,000 miles driven, while electric vehicles increase by $32.11 per 1,000 miles. Using public charging facilities adds $76.93 per 1,000 miles.
The study was conducted from March 19 to 23 using a probability-based panel sample. Based on the above findings, AAA experts recommend that consumers consider local climate factors when purchasing a vehicle, especially considering that winter increases the energy consumption of all power systems. For electric vehicles, it is advisable to avoid prolonged high-speed driving in extremely cold or hot weather conditions; also, try to minimize unnecessary fast charging in cold weather.
Although the cost of operating hybrid vehicles in extreme temperatures is usually higher than that of pure electric vehicles, AAA found through another nationwide consumer survey that interest in hybrid vehicles remains higher than that of electric vehicles.
Despite the increase in the number of public charging stations nationwide from around 55,000 in 2022 to approximately 80,000, consumer concerns still exist. This year, 35% of consumers have indicated that they are likely to choose a hybrid vehicle for their next purchase, as hybrid vehicles effectively alleviate their concerns about range and charging convenience.