HOW FAR CAN ELECTRIC CARS REALLY GO IN EXTREME HEAT?

EV Channels Review

This "What Car?" investigation delves into the real-world impact of extreme heat on electric vehicle range and charging. Testing three distinct EVs in over 40°C temperatures in southern Spain, the results indicate a significant range reduction, averaging over 35% below official figures, comparable to winter shortfalls. The Tesla Model 3 Long Range (Highland) and Kia EV3 Long Range both experienced substantial range degradation, with the Model 3 showing a 44% drop and the EV3 a 32% drop from their official ranges. The budget-friendly Citroen EC3, while closest to its official range, still fell short and faced considerable charging delays and difficulties. The study highlights that extreme heat, coupled with the energy demands of air conditioning and the greenhouse effect from large glass surfaces, significantly impacts EV efficiency. While charging speeds were less affected than anticipated for the Tesla and Kia, the Citroen struggled. The review concludes that while current EV technology is improving, extreme temperatures remain a challenge, though the UK's milder climate mitigates this for most users.