PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Arizona’s extreme heat is reducing the efficiency of electric and hybrid vehicles by about 10% when temperatures reach 95 degrees or higher, according to a new AAA study.
The reduced performance means less range per charge, more frequent charging stops, and increased operating costs during triple-digit temperatures. The findings come as gas prices hover around $5 per gallon across the state.
“EVs and hybrids both run less efficiently during extreme weather, and for us in Arizona, heat is obviously going to be the biggest factor here,” Julian Paredes with AAA said.
Hybrids see costs rise about $13 per 1,000 miles driven during extreme heat. For EVs using home charging, costs increase by nearly $7 per 1,000 miles. Public charging costs can climb more than $16 per 1,000 miles.
“When temperatures rise above 95 degrees, EVs and hybrids run about 10% less efficiently,” Paredes said.
Drivers planning road trips during the summer should account for reduced range. AAA says the heat affects all car batteries, but EVs and hybrids are more susceptible because they rely entirely on electricity.
“One of the best benefits of having an EV right now is you’re saving on gas, but the problem is, when it’s really triple-digit temperatures, you’re not getting as much of that benefit,” Paredes said.
AAA says while EVs can still offer savings over time, extreme heat narrows that gap. Driving during cooler periods of the day might help preserve battery performance.
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