According to a recent study from AAA, freezing temperatures can take the charge out of electric vehicles. Electric vehicle owners may experience a decrease in driving range, compounded by the use of the vehicle’s interior climate control.
New research from AAA reveals that when the mercury dips to 20°F and the HVAC (Heat Ventilation Air conditon) system is used to heat the inside of the vehicle, the average driving range is decreased by 41 percent. This means for every 100 miles of combined urban/highway driving, the range at 20°F would be reduced to 59 miles. When colder temperatures hit, AAA urges electric vehicle owners to be aware of a reduction in range and the need to charge more often to minimize the chance of being stranded by a dead battery.
