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Summer Heat vs. Speed: Understanding Their Impact on EV Range

As summer's heatwaves make their presence felt, a common concern among electric vehicle (EV) drivers is how soaring temperatures and increased air conditioning usage might affect their vehicle's range. Recent data from Geotab Inc., a leading provider of connected vehicle solutions, sheds light on this matter, emphasizing that while high temperatures do exert some influence, driving speed is the dominant factor affecting range loss.

The Data Speaks

Geotab's analysis utilizes anonymized telematics data from an impressive collection of over 3 million trips involving light-duty EVs—including sedans and cargo vans. The findings indicate that at elevated speeds (between 50-80 mph) and warm temperatures (around 86°F or 30°C), the aerodynamic drag experienced by the vehicle more significantly reduces battery range than the energy expenditure for cooling the cabin.

To illustrate, consider a 65 kWh electric van driving at a leisurely 50 mph in 86°F weather with the air conditioning running. This scenario typically offers a range of about 143 miles. However, a mere increase in speed to 60 mph results in a range drop to 121 miles. Pushing it further to 70 mph reduces it even more to 103 miles, and by the time the speed reaches 80 mph, the range plummets to just 88 miles—a striking 39% reduction in range when comparing the lowest to the highest speeds.

Electric sedans show a similar trend, albeit slightly less dramatic due to their design. At 50 mph in 86°F, the driving range stands at 277 miles, hitting 251 miles at 60 mph, and dipping to 200 miles at 80 mph. This represents a 28% reduction from the optimal cruising speed. Why is this the case? The relationship stems from physics: as speed increases, the force required to combat air resistance intensifies exponentially. In fact, this aerodynamic drag escalates with the square of your velocity, meaning that doubling your speed necessitates four times the energy just to overcome this resistance—a significantly higher demand than your air conditioning system ever uses.

Charlotte Argue, Geotab’s Senior Manager of Sustainability, notes, "Drivers often stress over air conditioning use during hot weather, yet our study confirms that the greatest impact comes from the speed they drive. By simply decreasing speed by 10 to 15 mph, drivers can extend their EV range by 20-30%, depending on the vehicle model."

Temperature's Role: Important, But Secondary

While summer heat does indeed take a toll, its effects are primarily felt at low speeds. At these lower velocities, the drag isn't as forceful, which means the consistent power draw from the air conditioning becomes more observable. Conversely, as speed picks up, the influence of high temperatures diminishes in comparison to the energy required just to maintain that speed.

Modern electric vehicles are equipped with larger batteries that allow them to comfortably handle the bulk of routine driving tasks—often enabling single-charge trips for many fleet operations. However, the variability in range for both EVs and internal combustion engine vehicles remains reliant on factors such as temperature, terrain, traffic conditions, and, most critically, driving speed.

Tips to Maximize EV Range During Summer

Geotab recommends several practical techniques for drivers eager to enhance their EV's range without sacrificing comfort:

1. Reduce Your Speed: Even minor reductions in highway speeds can significantly increase range. For many vehicles, slowing down from 70 mph to 60 mph can yield an additional 10-20% in range.
2. Precondition the Cabin: Use grid power to cool the cabin while the vehicle is still charged, reducing battery drain once you start driving.
3. Use Air Conditioning Wisely: Start with cool settings, use recirculation mode, and prioritize seat ventilation when available instead of full cabin cooling.
4. Minimize Aggressive Driving: Avoid quick acceleration and harsh braking, and take advantage of regenerative braking to extend your range.
5. Park in the Shade: Keeping the cabin in the shade can lessen the initial load on the A/C and improve cooling efficiency.
6. Cautious Charging: Avoid rapid charging when temperatures soar, as this can adversely affect battery health over time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while summer temperatures do have an impact on the range of electric vehicles, they are not nearly as consequential as driving speed. By adopting mindful driving habits and implementing a few strategic changes, EV owners can enjoy longer journeys with more efficiency this summer.

For those interested in understanding more about optimizing their EV's performance and managing their fleet effectively, Geotab continues to lead the conversation with data-driven insights and innovative solutions. To learn more about Geotab's offerings and how to enhance vehicle performance while prioritizing sustainability, visit Geotab's official website.