When summer heatwaves hit, electric car owners start to worry about how their vehicles will handle the extreme temperatures. A new analysis of over 29,700 electric cars in real-world conditions provides some answers. The study found that most electric cars perform well in hot weather, with minimal loss of range at temperatures up to 32°C (90°F). In fact, the loss of autonomy at this temperature is less than 5%.
However, when temperatures rise above 37°C (100°F), the impact on range can be more significant, with losses of up to 17-18%. But here’s the thing: these reductions are temporary and only occur when the air conditioning is running to keep passengers cool. Once the AC is turned off, the range returns to normal.
The study, conducted by Recurrent Auto, a company that specializes in electric car rentals, found that some electric cars handle the heat better than others. The Audi e-tron, for example, loses less than 3% of its range even in scorching temperatures of 37°C. The BMW i4 and Rivian R1S are close behind, with similar minimal losses.
It’s worth noting that electric car owners can take steps to mitigate the effects of heat on their vehicle’s range. For one, it’s a good idea to avoid leaving your car with an extremely low charge in extreme heat, as the battery will use up energy to keep itself cool.
Here are the top electric cars that handle the heat best, according to the study:
- Audi e-tron: less than 3% loss of range
- BMW i4: less than 3% loss of range
- Rivian R1S: less than 3% loss of range
The full list of electric cars and their range losses in extreme heat is available on the Recurrent Auto website.
How to keep your electric car cool
To minimize the impact of heat on your electric car’s range, follow these tips:
- Avoid leaving your car in direct sunlight for extended periods
- Use a sunshade or window visor to block out the sun’s rays
- Keep your car charged to at least 20% to avoid excessive battery drain
- Turn off the air conditioning when not in use to conserve energy
By following these tips and choosing an electric car that’s designed to handle the heat, you can enjoy a comfortable and efficient drive even on the hottest summer days.