MENU
SEARCHNew research from AAA finds that dramatic temperatures outside coupled with the use of an HVAC system to heat up or cool down the interior result in reduced driving range for electric vehicles.
When the temperature falls to 20-degrees with the HVAC system activated, an EV's range falls by 41%, according to a AAA study.
Photo via Pixabay.
New research from AAA finds that dramatic temperatures outside coupled with the use of an HVAC system to heat up or cool down the interior result in reduced driving range for electric vehicles.
Specifically, when the mercury drops to 20°F and the HVAC system is used to heat the inside of the vehicle, the average driving range is decreased by 41%. This means for every 100 miles of combined urban/highway driving, the range at 20°F would be reduced to 59 miles.
The study also found that when outside temperatures rose to a steamy 95°F and air-conditioning is used inside the vehicle, driving range decreases by 17%.
Noteworthy, when an HVAC system is not in use, the estimated driving range for electric vehicles was only moderately impacted by extreme temperatures. For example, when the HVAC system was turned off, an outside temperature of 20°F resulted in just a 12% decrease in driving range while an outside temperature of 95°F resulted in only a 4% decrease.
For drivers using electric vehicles in extreme climates, an unexpected drop in driving range can be a safety hazard leaving them stranded on the side of a road with a dead battery.
AAA recommends that drivers plan ahead by being aware of weather conditions before getting behind the wheel. During extreme temperatures, be prepared to charge more often, make time to “pre-heat” or cool down the inside while the vehicle is still connected to the charger as this reduces demand on the battery, and park in a garage to stabilize cabin temperature.
Distracted driving remains one of the most persistent risks in fleet operations. New approaches focus on removing mobile device use entirely while adding real-time safety support.
Read More →
As distraction risks evolve, fleets are turning to smarter, more connected technologies to better understand what’s happening behind the wheel. Part 2 explores how these tools are helping identify risky behaviors and improve visibility across operations.
Read More →
What fleets capture to improve safety can also expose them in litigation, forcing leaders to rethink how data is managed, stored, and shared.
Read More →
Distracted driving is often measured by what we can see—phones in hand, eyes off the road. But what about the distractions we can’t? A recent incident raises a bigger question about awareness, attention, and why subtle risks so often go unnoticed.
Read More →
While serious crashes are declining, a rise in minor incidents and ongoing risk hotspots underscore the need for continued fleet safety investment.
Read More →
Fleets have more driver data than ever, so why isn't behavior changing? Training requires more than reports and coaching — it requires real-world practice.
Read More →
A two-part conversation with Stefan Heck on how AI is transforming the fight against distracted driving. As fleets adopt smarter tools, the focus shifts from reacting to preventing risk. In Part 1, we look at where AI is making an impact for fleets today.
Read More →
More people on foot means more risk for drivers. These pedestrian safety tips can help prevent serious injuries and keep everyone safer on the road.
Read More →
Fleet managers are under pressure to reduce accidents, control costs, and improve operational efficiency. See how advanced vehicle safety technologies are helping fleets operate smarter and safer.
Read More →
An 11% drop in pedestrian fatalities in early 2025 signals progress in U.S. road safety, but elevated death rates and ongoing risks underscore the need for continued action from fleets and policymakers.
Read More →
