BOISE – (May 8, 2026) – Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids provide the driving public with more options to get from point A to point B.  But how do they perform under extreme temperatures?

Building on a groundbreaking 2019 study, AAA recently evaluated the performance of three EVs and three hybrids by testing them on a dynamometer – a treadmill for cars – with vehicle cabin temperatures set at 72 degrees Fahrenheit and ambient temperatures in the testing cell at 20 degrees, 75 degrees, and 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

“For many Americans, hybrids and EVs hold tremendous appeal,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde.  “Our goal is always the same – to ensure that people are prepared behind the wheel.  This research provides important clarity for the hybrid and EV journey.” 

Key findings

Under extreme heat (95°F), hybrid vehicles experienced a 12% drop in fuel efficiency, while EVs showed a 10.4% drop in efficiency and an 8.5% loss in driving range when compared to the 75°F baseline.

Under extreme cold (20°F), the effect was even more dramatic, with hybrids experiencing a 22.8% drop in fuel economy, while EVs showed a nearly 35.6% drop in fuel economy and a 39% loss of range when compared to the 75°F baseline.

Okay, how much?

In cold temperatures, EVs cost about $36 less per 1,000 miles at home electricity rates than hybrids, but $86 more using public chargers.

In hot temperatures, EVs are about $46 cheaper than hybrids at home electricity rates, but $41 more expensive at public charging rates.

“We anticipated some efficiency loss with the EVs, as they exclusively use battery power to heat and to cool.  It was a bit of a surprise that hybrids lost 23% of their efficiency as well,” Conde said.  “If you live in a climate that gets very hot or very cold – like Idaho – you’ll still be able to use EVs and hybrids to get around.  Just factor it into your use and purchase decision.”

AAA recommendations

  • Plan ahead for additional stops to recharge during extreme temperatures.
  • Budget for seasonal cost changes – winter raises energy use among all powertrains.
  • Precondition the EV cabin while it is still plugged in – minimize seat and steering-wheel heat if you need to extend your driving range.
  • Use the AAA mobile app or other tools to find the cheapest fuel and the location of EV charging stations along your route.
  • Use the AAA Your Driving Costs calculator to estimate the total cost of vehicle ownership.

The number of public charging stations has increased from about 55,000 in 2022 to roughly 80,000 today.

According to a previous AAA survey, 35% of U.S. adults say they are very likely or likely to purchase a hybrid for their next vehicle, citing reduced concerns about driving range.

Consumers who are interested in EVs cite the benefits of lower fuel costs, reduced environmental impact, and lower maintenance costs.

“We are doing our part as an organization to aid the EV journey with the addition of fast-charging stations at several of our AAA facilities in Oregon and Idaho,” Conde said.  “We will continue to identify ways to reduce driver anxiety – after all, it’s at the heart of our mission.”