A recent comprehensive analysis has shed light on a crucial factor influencing electric vehicle (EV) range, particularly during warmer months: driving speed. Contrary to popular belief, which often attributes significant range reduction to air conditioning use in summer, this study indicates that aerodynamic drag resulting from higher speeds plays a far more dominant role. This revelation challenges existing assumptions and provides invaluable insights for EV owners seeking to optimize their vehicles' performance and extend their travel distances, especially during long-haul journeys in elevated temperatures.

The study, conducted by Geotab, utilized extensive anonymized telematics data from millions of light-duty EVs, sedans, and cargo vans. The findings underscore that while ambient temperature and cabin cooling do affect range, their impact is less pronounced than that of vehicle speed, especially when traveling at highway speeds between 50 and 80 miles per hour. This phenomenon is primarily due to the increased aerodynamic resistance encountered at higher velocities, which demands significantly more energy from the vehicle's battery.

Illustrative data from the Geotab research highlights this effect. For example, an electric van with a 65 kWh battery, capable of approximately 143 miles at 50 mph in 86°F heat, saw its range diminish to 121 miles at 60 mph, and further to 88 miles when the speed reached 80 mph. This represents a substantial 39% reduction in range between the lowest and highest tested speeds. Similarly, electric sedans, known for their superior aerodynamics, experienced a 28% decrease in range under the same speed variations, dropping from an average of 277 miles at 50 mph to 200 miles at 80 mph.

These compelling statistics emphasize that even a modest reduction in speed, such as by 10 or 15 mph, can lead to a notable increase in range, potentially by 20% to 30% depending on the specific vehicle model. This makes speed management a critical strategy for EV drivers aiming to maximize their vehicle's efficiency on long trips. While earlier research from the Society of Automotive Engineers in 2019 noted a 17% range loss for EVs at 95 degrees Fahrenheit compared to 75 degrees, the recent Geotab study clarifies that this temperature-related impact is more pronounced at lower speeds where aerodynamic forces are less dominant.

To further mitigate range depletion, Geotab offers several practical recommendations for EV owners. These include preconditioning the vehicle's cabin while it is still plugged in, which leverages grid power rather than battery power for initial cooling. Efficient use of air conditioning, such as engaging recirculation mode and utilizing seat ventilation instead of solely relying on cabin-wide cooling, can also conserve energy. Additionally, strategic parking in shaded areas and avoiding rapid charging during periods of extreme heat can contribute to battery longevity and overall range preservation. Vehicles with superior aerodynamic designs, like the Lucid Air Grand Touring with its remarkably low drag coefficient of 0.197, naturally offer extended ranges, reaching up to 512 miles in some models. Even larger vehicles, such as the Chevrolet Silverado EV WT and the Lucid Gravity Grand Touring, demonstrate impressive ranges due to thoughtful aerodynamic considerations, showcasing the importance of design in mitigating speed-related range loss.

For many electric vehicle users, range anxiety remains a pertinent concern. However, by understanding and applying these new insights regarding the profound impact of driving speed, along with other judicious driving habits, the experience of owning and operating an EV, particularly during extensive summer travel, can be significantly enhanced. This knowledge empowers drivers to make informed decisions that extend their journey and reduce the necessity for frequent charging stops, thereby improving the practicality and appeal of electric mobility.