The average driving range of electric vehicles (EVs) falls by 17% when temperatures dip to around -6C, while up to 41% is lost when the air conditioning is used in 35C temperatures, according to a study by the American Automobile Association (AAA). It tested five EVs with a minimum 160 km range, including the BMW i3s, Tesla Model S 75D and Volkswagen e-Golf, and found using heat in -6C conditions added €22 ($25) for every 1,600 km compared to 23C conditions. Tesla disputed the results, claiming the average range losses for its Model S are nowhere near the AAA's figures.
The average driving range of electric vehicles (EVs) falls by up to 41% when temperatures dip to around -6C, while 17% is lost when the air conditioning is used in 35C temperatures, according to a study by the American Automobile Association (AAA). It tested five EVs with a minimum 160 km range, including the BMW i3s, Tesla Model S 75D and Volkswagen e-Golf, and found using heat in -6C conditions added €22 ($25) for every 1,600 km compared to 23C conditions. Tesla disputed the results, claiming the average range losses for its Model S are nowhere near the AAA's figures.