Ford Mustang Mach-E Credit: Ford
May 3, 2026 – ORLANDO, Fla. – By Brittany Moye – AAA’s latest study shows extreme temperatures reduce efficiency, range, and increase operating costs for electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids. Researchers tested six vehicles at cold, moderate, and hot temperatures to examine how electrified powertrains perform under non-ideal conditions. This information is intended to help consumers better understand how temperature can affect vehicle performance, inform purchasing decisions, and set realistic expectations for driving and ownership throughout the year.
Building on their 2019 study, the AAA automotive engineering team, in partnership with the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center, evaluated the powertrains of three EVs and three hybrids. Testing was conducted on a chassis dynamometer — a device like a treadmill for cars — with the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) set at 72 degrees in the vehicles and the temperatures in the laboratory test cell at 20°F, 75°F, and 95°F. The cost portion of the research leveraged the AAA Gas Price Data to determine national average fuel and electricity prices as of March 27, 2026. Please see the fact sheet for additional testing details and methodology.
Key Findings:
Impact of hot temperatures (95°F):
- Hybrid vehicles experience a 12.0% decrease in fuel efficiency (miles per gallon, MPG).
- EVs show a 10.4% reduction in efficiency (MPGe, miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent) and an 8.5% loss of driving range compared to moderate temperature (75°F)
Impact of cold temperatures (20°F):
- Hybrids lose 22.8% in fuel economy.
- EVs demonstrate a 35.6% drop in MPGe and a 39.0% decrease in calculated driving range.
Impacts of cold temperatures (20°F) on operating costs:
- Hybrids showed an increase in fuel cost of $28.44 per 1,000 miles.
- EVs experienced an increase in operating costs of $32.11 per 1,000 miles when charged at home electricity ratesand $76.93 per 1,000 miles when using public charging.
Impacts of hot temperatures (95°F) on operating costs:
- Hybrid operating costs increased by $13.02 per 1,000 mi.
- For EVs using home charging, operating costs rose by $6.78 per 1,000 mi, while public charging costs climbed $16.25 per 1,000 mi.
Powertrain Cost Comparison:
- Cold operation (20°F) showed the largest cost gap: EVs cost $36.19 less per 1,000 miles at home electricity rates, but $86.26 more using public chargers than hybrids.
- At high temperatures (95°F), EVs were $46.11 cheaper per 1,000 miles at home electricity rates, but $41.00 more expensive at public charging rates compared to hybrids.
“EVs are efficient in moderate temperatures but lose significant range in the cold,” said Greg Brannon, director of automotive engineering and research at AAA. “We expected this from our previous research, but were surprised by the 23% reduction in fuel economy for the hybrids in cold temperatures. Drivers should consider climate, energy costs, and driving patterns when choosing a vehicle that best fits their lifestyle.”
EV and Hybrid Consumer Survey Summary
To provide a holistic understanding of the electrified vehicle landscape, AAA conducted their annual nationwide consumer sentiment survey on EV and Hybrid interests to better link this data to the perspectives and priorities of American drivers…