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Extreme heat can temporarily reduce range, but recent research does not show that EVs are unable to operate in hot weather.
Much of the decrease comes from energy diverted to cool the vehicle, not because EV batteries or motors stop functioning. Modern EVs use thermal management systems to keep components within safe operating temperatures.
U.S. Department of Energy testing in 2024 found EV range fell on average about 14% at an ambient temperature of 95°F (35°C) compared with mild weather. However, the same proportional decrease was measured for gasoline vehicles under comparable conditions.
AAA testing of popular EV models in 2026 found an average range decrease of 8.5% at 95°F. Meanwhile, a 2025 study of 345,000 real-world EV trips found a 16% reduction at temperatures up to 122°F (50°C).
Extreme heat can reduce efficiency, but it does not make EVs unable to function.
This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Energy Impact of Cold Ambient Temperature and Extreme Conditions on Electric Vehicles
- AAA TEMPERATURE EFFECTS ON ELECTRIC AND HYBRID VEHICLE EFFICIENCY
- Applied Energy Extreme heat effects on electric vehicle energy consumption and driving range
- Recurrent How Hot Summer Weather Affects EV Range
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