Extreme weather poses a challenge for electric vehicles

Extreme weather can be tough on all cars, and electric vehicles are no exception. Sweltering heat and freezing cold aren't just uncomfortable—they can seriously mess with battery performance, cut down driving range and put extra pressure on systems like cooling and air conditioning.

It’s a wake-up call: climate change isn’t just a problem for gas-powered cars. It’s starting to show cracks in EVs that many people didn’t expect.

As weather becomes more unpredictable, these issues are likely to get worse. That makes it even more important to understand how EVs handle the heat, the cold and everything in between, because the future of cleaner, greener transportation depends on it.

Read more: How does temperature affect EV range?

From headwinds to heatwaves

When it comes to electric vehicles, the weather isn’t just something you’re driving past. It can make a big difference in how far you can go on a single charge.

Cold snaps can drain EV range fast, especially when drivers crank up the heat. In fact, tests show that range can drop by 12% in freezing conditions, and up to 40% when the cabin heater is on.

On the flip side, hot weather isn’t much kinder. At 95°F, running the AC can slash range by 17%. Battery systems working overtime to regulate temperature—especially when charging or driving—also add to the energy drain.

But it’s not just temperature that matters. Driving into a strong headwind can cut range by up to 15% as the vehicle struggles against air resistance. Snow, slush, and icy roads also make EVs work harder, requiring more energy to maintain grip and momentum, further eating into range. That’s why smart planning tools are so important.

Solutions like HERE EV Routing help drivers stay one step ahead by accounting for terrain, traffic, and weather to map out efficient routes and charging stops, keeping trips smoother and less stressful, no matter Mother Nature’s mood.

Read more: How does hot weather affect electric cars?

Cruel summer

Hot weather can be a real adversary for electric vehicles, affecting both range and long-term battery health. Without a combustion engine to help disperse heat, EVs rely entirely on their battery management systems to stay cool. While they operate most efficiently in mild conditions, extreme heat can still cut into range by as much as 15%. Charging under these conditions adds to the strain, often triggering slower charging speeds through a safeguard known as thermal throttling.

To help your EV cope with high temperatures, a few smart habits can go a long way. Park in the shade when possible and try to charge during cooler parts of the day. Pre-cooling the cabin while the car is still plugged in can also preserve range.

Many EVs come with built-in thermal management systems, but prolonged sun exposure still takes a toll. By being mindful of when and how you drive and charge, you can keep your EV performing reliably.

Read more: How does cold weather affect electric vehicles?

Winter woes

Cold weather brings its own set of challenges for electric vehicles. It can affect everything from range and battery efficiency to charging speed. As temperatures drop, the chemical reactions inside the battery slow down, reducing how much power it can deliver. On average, EV range can fall by about 20% at 32°F. If the temperature drops another 10 degrees, that range loss can increase to 40%.

It’s not just the cold air that’s the problem. Staying warm also takes a toll. Using the cabin heater draws extra power from the battery, cutting range even further. Preheating your EV while it’s still plugged in can help conserve battery power for driving. Charging also becomes slower in colder weather, since cold batteries can’t absorb energy as efficiently. Warming the battery before charging, or using heated air during the process, can help speed things up.

Prolonged exposure to extreme cold can even affect battery health over time. Cold increases internal resistance, and in some cases, can lead to lithium plating—a buildup that may shorten battery life. Thankfully, most EVs are equipped with thermal management systems designed to regulate battery temperature and reduce these risks. With a bit of preparation and some smart habits, EV drivers can stay ahead of the cold and keep their vehicles running smoothly.

Read more: How does cold weather affect range for electric trucks?

Keep on trucking

Electric trucks face many of the same winter woes as passenger EVs, but with even higher stakes. These vehicles depend on large lithium-ion batteries to power everything from the drivetrain to critical systems like heating, lighting and onboard electronics. In cold weather, those batteries have to work harder to deliver the same performance.

As temperatures drop, the chemical reactions inside the battery slow down, reducing efficiency. In extreme cold, capacity can fall by as much as 40%. Snow and ice buildup only add to the challenge by increasing drag and weight, making it harder for trucks to maintain range. Longer charging times mean more downtime—an especially tough tradeoff in industries where every minute counts.

Electric trucks also lack an engine to provide residual heat, so cabin warmth and defrosting systems rely directly on battery power. Add in winter-specific tools like plows or snow chains, and it’s clear that smart energy management becomes essential for keeping trucks on schedule.

And there’s another layer: infrastructure. Range drops caused by cold mean electric trucks need charging stations that are not only available but also well-placed along major routes. Drivers can’t afford to gamble on running low in remote areas.

That’s where advanced routing tools like HERE Fleet Routing come in. By accounting for weather, terrain, traffic, vehicle load, and available charging stations, these systems help fleet managers and drivers plan efficient, realistic routes. They reduce range anxiety and idle time, while helping electric trucks stay on track, even in tough winter conditions.

Cold weather isn’t going away, but with the right tools and preparation, electric trucks can power through the season and deliver on their promise of cleaner, more efficient transportation, all year round.

Weathering the storm

As climate change brings more extreme and unpredictable weather, understanding how conditions affect electric vehicles—both cars and trucks—is more important than ever. From range loss to battery stress, the challenges are real, but so are the solutions. With the right habits, smart planning and advanced routing technology, EV drivers and fleet operators can stay one step ahead. Because building a more sustainable future means making sure clean transportation is ready for every forecast.