AAA study finds extreme temperatures cut EV range and raise operating costs, hybrids preferred over full EVs

Extreme temperatures significantly reduce the efficiency and driving range of electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles while pushing up operating costs, according to a new study by AAA — The Auto Club Group, as reported by The Alpena News.

AAA tested six vehicles — three EVs and three hybrids — across cold, moderate, and hot temperature conditions to understand the real-world impact of weather on vehicle performance. The results showed cold temperatures had the greater overall effect, though heat also took a measurable toll on both vehicle types.

At hot temperatures of 95 degrees Fahrenheit, hybrid vehicles recorded a 12 per cent drop in fuel efficiency, while EVs saw a 10.4 per cent reduction in efficiency and an 8.5 per cent loss in driving range compared with performance under moderate conditions of 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

At cold temperatures of 20 degrees Fahrenheit, the impact was considerably sharper. Hybrid fuel economy fell by 22.8 per cent, while EVs experienced a 35.6 per cent decline in efficiency and a 39 per cent reduction in calculated driving range.

The study also quantified the cost implications. In hot conditions, hybrid operating costs rose by $13.02 per 1,000 miles, while EV home-charging costs increased by $6.78 per 1,000 miles and public-charging costs climbed by $16.25 per 1,000 miles. In cold conditions, hybrid fuel costs increased by $28.44 per 1,000 miles, while EV operating costs rose by $32.11 per 1,000 miles on home charging and $76.93 per 1,000 miles on public charging.

On a comparative basis, EVs charged at home rates cost $36.19 less per 1,000 miles than hybrids in cold conditions, but $86.26 more when relying on public chargers. In hot conditions, home-charged EVs were $46.11 cheaper per 1,000 miles than hybrids, while public-charged EVs were $41 more expensive.

“These results show there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to electrified vehicles,” said Adrienne Woodland, spokesperson for AAA. “Where you live, how you charge, and the conditions you drive in can make a meaningful difference in efficiency and cost over time.”
Alongside the vehicle testing, AAA surveyed 1,088 US adults between March 19 and March 23, 2026, to assess attitudes toward electrified vehicles. About 35 per cent of respondents said they are likely or very likely to choose a hybrid for their next vehicle purchase, with reduced range anxiety and charging concerns cited as key reasons for the preference. While the number of public charging stations in the United States has grown from approximately 55,000 in 2022 to around 80,000, hesitation over charging infrastructure continues to temper interest in fully electric vehicles.

AAA recommended that drivers factor local climate and charging access into their vehicle decisions, noting that preconditioning the cabin while the vehicle is still plugged in, maintaining tyre pressure, and moderating speeds during extreme weather can help manage the efficiency and cost impacts.