The Truth About EV Range in Extreme Climates
BEVEverything EV Consulting a dba of The Automotive Advisor Team
This week I saw another article by a major automotive publication that intentionally or unintentionally has the potential of pushing EV-curious shoppers away from EV exploration and possible ownership. The article's title presented an extreme loss of range in hot weather that even a mildly interested EV intended would take as a reason not to pursue EV any further.
Managing an electric vehicle (EV) in extreme heat and extreme cold is easy to do with education and attention. EVs certainly require special attention to optimize performance, battery life, and overall efficiency over ICE vehicles but just like ICE vehicles, you lose MPG (range) in extreme temperatures as well.
My beef with the article's premise and title was the fact that in extremely hot ambient conditions, you don't have to lose a 30% range if you know what you're doing. At 110 degrees I only lost 4% range in my Tesla Model 3 and in extreme cold, at 27 degrees, I only lost 7% range. My ambient temperature range experience is not a one-off or an exception. In fact, it is one of thousands that you can find in any EV Facebook group, Tesla Owners clubs, or the like.
There is no question that both temperature extremes can have a significant impact on an EV's range, battery health, and overall operation if you are not familiar with how to operate your EV under extreme conditions. With the hope of stopping the fear-mongering and EV myth train from slamming into a wall, Click the Link below for tips on managing your EV in extreme heat and cold conditions from experienced EV owners intended to help new owners or curious shoppers have a fact-based perspective.