A new AAA study shows that the efficiency, range and operating costs of both electric vehicles and hybrids are negatively impacted by extreme temperatures.

The research builds on a study the organization conducted in 2019 that reached a similar conclusion. In the older study, it found that relative to a 75-degree baseline, fully electric vehicles had a reduced driving range of 41% when operating at 20 degrees and a 17% reduction when operating at 95 degrees. It didn't test hybrids.

The updated study assessed both fully electric models and hybrids, finding that while HEVs are negatively impacted by the extreme temperatures, they are less effected than their fully electric counterparts.

“EVs are efficient in moderate temperatures but lose significant range in the cold,” said Greg Brannon, AAA director of automotive engineering and research.

“We expected this from our previous research but were surprised by the 23% reduction in fuel economy for the hybrids in cold temperatures.”

When operating at an ambient temperature of 95 degrees, hybrids experienced a 12% drop in fuel efficiency, and EVs showed a 10% reduction, as well as an 8.5% loss of driving range.

When operating at an ambient temperature of 20 degrees, hybrids had an almost 23% loss in fuel economy while EVs had an over 35% drop in miles per gallon of gas equivalent and a 39% decrease in calculated driving range.

Regarding operating costs, hybrids showed an increase in fuel cost of $28 per 1,000 miles at 20 degrees and a $13 per 1,000 mile increase at 95 degrees. EVs operating at 20 degrees had a $32 per 1,000 mile increase when charged at home and a $77 per 1,000 mile increase when using public charging. EVs operating at 95 degrees had a nearly $7 per 1,000 mile increase charging at home and a $16 per 1,000 mile increase with public charging.

“Drivers should consider climate, energy costs, and driving patterns when choosing a vehicle that best fits their lifestyle,” Brannon said.