Science & Tech · Gadgets & EVs · 2 hrs ago
Fast driving, extreme weather and extra weight can reduce EV range
Several everyday conditions can reduce how far an electric vehicle travels on a charge.
The biggest factors include high speeds, extreme temperatures, heating or air-conditioning, and extra weight from passengers or cargo.
Highway driving uses more energy than stop-and-go travel, and it offers fewer chances to regain energy through braking.
A 2025 study by Recurrent found that range could fall by nearly a third below freezing and by around 18% at 100 degrees, though the effects vary by vehicle.
The car’s heater and air-conditioner can also use enough energy to cut range, while navigation, entertainment and USB devices have little effect.
Drivers can help preserve range by removing unnecessary cargo and limiting climate-control use, especially in extreme weather.
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Fast highway driving can use more energy and reduce an electric vehicle’s range.
Extreme temperatures and the use of heating or air-conditioning can also cut range.
Extra weight from cargo and passengers can further reduce how far an EV travels.
A 2025 Recurrent study found that range could fall by nearly a third below freezing and by around 18% at 100 degrees.
Removing unnecessary cargo and moderating climate-control use can help preserve range.
- Who
- Electric-vehicle drivers.
- What
- Fast driving, extreme weather, climate control and extra weight can reduce EV range.
- When
- During driving, especially at high speeds or in extreme temperatures.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- These conditions increase energy use or reduce the efficiency of an EV.
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- Average real-world range
- 325 miles for 2026 EV models, according to Recurrent
- Below-freezing temperatures
- Range could drop by nearly a third, according to a 2025 Recurrent study
- 100-degree temperatures
- Range can dip around 18%, according to Recurrent
- Regenerative braking
- Can extend battery life by as much as 20%
Sources
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