Arizona's extreme heat could mean higher costs for hybrid and EV owners, new study says

Rising temperatures in Arizona during the summer months could mean higher costs and more frequent charging for electric and hybrid car owners.

The city of Phoenix has set goals to build and expand infrastructure that could support over 280,000 electric vehicles by 2030 as part of an effort to increase sustainability.

But, a new study from AAA found that extreme temperatures in the Grand Canyon State could make EVs and hybrids less efficient.

AAA spokesperson Doug Johnson said that when temperatures exceed 95 degrees, both types of vehicles lose significant range.

He estimates that hybrids lose about 12% fuel efficiency in extreme temperatures, while EVs have a 10% reduction in efficiency and a 8.5% loss in driving range.

Vehicle batteries are primary contributors to lost efficiency. Johnson compared this to lagging phones after overheating.

“Think about your phone, when your cellphone gives you that warning that this needs to cool off before it can be used. It’s the same thing with your EVs and your hybrids. They can really start to overheat, you don’t get as much range," Johnson said.

There are some things drivers can do to beat the heat and mitigate efficiency loss: Johnson suggests more frequent charging visits and driving during cooler parts of the day.