As we enter winter here in South Africa, EV owners would do well to take note of a study by the American Automobile Association that found electric vehicle range can fall sharply in extreme temperatures, particularly when heating or air conditioning is in use.
While electric vehicles remain perfectly usable in cold or hot weather, the findings are a useful reminder that real-world range is not fixed. Temperature, battery chemistry and cabin comfort systems can all have a noticeable effect on how far an EV will travel on a full charge.
The AAA study, conducted with the Automotive Research Center of the Automobile Club of Southern California, looked at five electric vehicles with a minimum estimated range of 100 miles. Researchers simulated real-world driving on a dynamometer in a controlled test environment set at 20°F, 75°F and 95°F to compare how temperature affects range.
The results were clear. In cold weather without the heater running, average range fell by 12 per cent compared with testing at 75°F. Once the heater was switched on at 20°F, the average reduction jumped to 41 per cent. In hot weather, range dropped by 4 per cent at 95°F without air conditioning, rising to 17 per cent when the air conditioning was used.
That means an EV capable of travelling 100 miles in mild conditions could manage only 59 miles in very cold weather with the heater on, or 83 miles in extreme heat with the air conditioning running. For motorists planning longer trips, that difference can turn a straightforward journey into one that requires an extra charging stop.
The reason is twofold. First, lithium-ion batteries operate most efficiently within a moderate temperature band. When conditions become very cold or very hot, the battery must work harder and the vehicle may use extra energy to warm or cool the pack. Second, heating and cooling the cabin places an additional load on the battery, which directly reduces available driving range.
For South African EV drivers, the message is not to panic, but to plan. Checking the forecast before a longer journey, pre-heating the cabin while the vehicle is still plugged in, and being conservative with climate control can all help stretch range when temperatures are less favourable.
As EV adoption continues to grow, studies like this help underline an important point. Official range figures are a useful guide, but drivers should always allow for real-world factors. In winter especially, a little preparation can make the difference between a smooth trip and an inconvenient recharge.
Staff Writer
Reporting from the front lines of the automotive industry, delivering expert analysis and the technical updates that drive the South African motor sector forward.
