Understanding the Impact of Extreme Heat
This week, much of the central, midwest, and northeast U.S. is grappling with a dangerous heat wave, driving temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) and even reaching 100°F (37°C) in some areas. While cold weather is a well-documented challenge for electric vehicles (EVs), the adverse effects of extreme heat should not be overlooked.
Real-World Data Insights
A recent study by Recurrent, a battery health and data start-up, analyzed real-world data from 29,719 EVs. The findings indicate that EVs do lose some range as temperatures rise. While a temperature of 90°F results in minimal range loss, the effects become more pronounced at 100°F. However, it’s worth noting that the range reduction during heat waves is less severe compared to the drastic impacts seen during polar vortex conditions.
| Model Name [Recurrent Data] | Range Retention In % [At 90 degrees Fahrenheit] |
| Audi Q8 E-Tron | 98% |
| BMW i4 | 98% |
| Rivian R1S | 98% |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 | 97% |
| Rivian R1T | 97% |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E | 96% |
| Chevrolet Bolt EV | 96% |
| Tesla Model 3 | 95% |
| Volkswagen ID.4 | 95% |
| Ford F-150 Lightning | 95% |
| BMW i3 | 95% |
| Tesla Model X | 94% |
| Tesla Model Y | 94% |
| Tesla Cybertruck | 93% |
| Kia EV6 | 92% |
| Cadillac Lyriq | 92% |
| Nissan Ariya | 92% |
| Tesla Model S | 91% |
| Kia Niro EV | 88% |
| Chevrolet Blazer EV | 86% |
Strategies for Optimal Performance
Despite the risks presented by extreme heat, electric vehicles are designed to perform adequately in high-temperature environments. High-voltage batteries are equipped with a wide operating temperature range. Although they will function, their efficiency in converting stored energy into range may decline at elevated temperatures. As a precaution, Tesla recommends that owners avoid exposing their vehicles to ambient temperatures exceeding 140°F or below -22°F for extended periods. By following these guidelines, EV owners can mitigate the impact of extreme heat on their vehicles.
