{"id":14339,"date":"2019-03-02T22:00:02","date_gmt":"2019-03-03T04:00:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.paristn.net\/articles\/?p=14339"},"modified":"2019-03-02T12:47:52","modified_gmt":"2019-03-02T18:47:52","slug":"icy-temperatures-cut-electric-vehicle-range-nearly-in-half","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.paristn.net\/articles\/2019\/03\/02\/icy-temperatures-cut-electric-vehicle-range-nearly-in-half\/","title":{"rendered":"Icy Temperatures Cut Electric Vehicle Range Nearly in Half"},"content":{"rendered":"

AAA<\/h2>\n

\"AAA\"Orlando, FL<\/strong> – As freezing temperatures plague much of the country, electric vehicle owners may experience a decrease in driving range, compounded by the use of the vehicle\u2019s interior climate control.<\/p>\n

New research from AAA reveals that when the mercury dips to 20\u00b0F and the HVAC system is used to heat the inside of the vehicle, the average driving range is decreased by 41 percent. This means for every 100 miles of combined urban\/highway driving, the range at 20\u00b0F would be reduced to 59 miles.<\/p>\n

\"AAA<\/a>

AAA research finds HVAC use in frigid temperatures causes substantial drop in electric vehicle range. (AAA)<\/p><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

When colder temperatures hit, AAA urges electric vehicle owners to be aware of a reduction in range and the need to charge more often to minimize the chance of being stranded by a dead battery.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe appeal of electric vehicles continues to grow since a greater variety of designs and options with increased range have come onto the market,\u201d said Greg Brannon, AAA\u2019s director of Automotive Engineering and Industry Relations. \u201cAs long as drivers understand that there are limitations when operating electric vehicles in more extreme climates, they are less likely to be caught off guard by an unexpected drop in driving range.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cold weather, however, is not the only factor that can influence driving range. AAA\u2019s research also found that when outside temperatures heat up to 95\u00b0F and air-conditioning is used inside the vehicle, driving range decreases by 17 percent.<\/p>\n

Extreme temperatures certainly play a role in diminishing driving range, but the use of HVAC in these conditions \u2013 particularly the heat \u2013 has by far the greatest effect.<\/p>\n

Additionally, an electric vehicle with a compromised driving range will require charging more often, which increases the cost to operate the vehicle. For instance, AAA\u2019s study found that the use of heat when it\u2019s 20\u00b0F outside adds almost $25 more for every 1,000 miles when compared to the cost of combined urban and highway driving at 75\u00b0F.<\/p>\n

AAA tested five electric vehicles, all with a minimum EPA estimated driving range of 100 miles, in partnership with the Automotive Club of Southern California\u2019s Automotive Research Center. Real-world driving conditions were simulated using a dynamometer, essentially a treadmill for cars, in a closed testing cell where ambient temperature could be closely controlled.<\/p>\n

To determine the effects on driving range, scenarios for cold and hot weather conditions \u2013 both when using HVAC and not \u2013 were compared to those of driving with an outside temperature of 75\u00b0F.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe research clearly shows that electric vehicles thrive in more moderate climates, except the reality is most Americans live in an area where temperature fluctuates,\u201d said Megan McKernan, manager of Automotive Research Center. \u201cAutomakers are continually making advances to improve range, but with this information, drivers will be more aware of the impacts varying weather conditions can have on their electric vehicles.\u201d<\/p>\n

[320left]Previous AAA research<\/a> has found that interest in electric vehicles continues to gain momentum with 20 percent of drivers saying they would likely go green when considering their next vehicle purchase. With lower-than-average ownership costs, increased driving ranges and the latest advanced safety features, AAA believes there is a strong future for electric vehicles.<\/p>\n

To help \u201cgreen\u201d car shoppers make an informed choice, AAA conducts independent, rigorous test-track evaluations of plug-in hybrids, hybrid and fuel-efficient, gas-powered vehicles and releases the results every spring in its annual Green Car Guide.<\/p>\n

There are some precautions electric vehicle owners can take during colder and hotter times of year to help offset potential reductions in driving range. AAA recommends drivers:<\/p>\n