EV air conditioning: How much does summer range really drop?

EV air conditioning: how much range do you really lose in summer?

As temperatures climb and the asphalt shimmers, drivers long for a refreshing breeze. Yet many EV drivers have a nagging worry: doesn't the air conditioning use an enormous amount of battery power? How much does the cooling system really affect an EV's range in summer?

In this article, we dispel myths, provide well-founded facts about electric cars' actual energy consumption and show you how innovative urban charging infrastructure lets you drive through the hot season without a worry.

The facts: how much electricity does EV air conditioning use in summer?

To get straight to the point: cooling has far less impact on range than many people assume. Unlike heating in winter, which often requires considerably more energy, modern air-conditioning systems in electric cars are extremely efficient.

• Normal conditions (approx. 25°C): On warm days when only moderate cooling is needed, an EV's air conditioning usually consumes just around 0.5 to 1.0 kWh extra per 100 km. That translates into a manageable loss of only a few kilometres of range over a 100 km journey.
• Extreme heat (over 30°C): If the vehicle has become very hot and needs maximum cooling, the additional energy demand rises to around 1 to 2 kWh per 100 km. Depending on the vehicle, outdoor temperature, sunlight and cooling needs, range can fall by around 5 to 15% in intense heat.
• In a traffic jam: Even if you spend hours stuck in traffic in midsummer, the air conditioning draws an average of around 1.3 to 1.5 kW of power. So several hours at a standstill use up only a manageable share of your battery capacity, with no local emissions, unlike a combustion-engine car idling.

Open the windows or turn on the air conditioning: which is more efficient?

One of the most common questions about an electric car's energy consumption in summer is: should I open the window instead to save electricity? The answer depends on your speed:

• In city traffic (up to around 50 km/h): Here it can actually pay to roll down the windows and turn off the air conditioning. Air resistance at these low speeds is still slight enough that open windows may be more efficient.
• On country roads and motorways (from around 70 km/h): Close the windows and turn on your EV's air conditioning. At higher speeds, open windows increase turbulence and significantly increase aerodynamic drag. In the end, this can cost more energy and range than efficiently cooling your electric car.

Three smart tips to optimise your EV’s summer range

Want to get the most out of your battery? These simple strategies will help you stay cool and go farther:

1. Pre-cool while plugged in: cool down your EV while it is still connected to the charging station. That way the energy for the initial cooling comes directly from the grid rather than your vehicle's battery. (More charging tips here!)
2. Parking in the shade pays off: leaving your car in a garage or under trees significantly reduces the build-up of heat inside. This takes a great deal of strain off the cooling system.
3. Use recirculation mode: Once the cabin has reached a comfortable temperature, switch to recirculation. That way, the system doesn't have to cool hot outside air continuously; instead, it recirculates the air already cooled, particularly efficiently.

Range anxiety is a thing of the past: ultra-fast charging with JOLT

Even if using air conditioning slightly increases your electric car's energy consumption in summer, there is no reason to worry about range.

JOLT brings high-speed charging straight into the city centre!

We understand the needs of today's EV drivers. That's why we offer a reliable network of premium fast chargers strategically located in urban areas. However hot the summer gets, under suitable conditions our charging infrastructure can give your vehicle enough electricity for up to 200 km in just 10 minutes. With charging power of up to 360 kW, JOLT enables ultra-fast charging, depending on the vehicle, battery level and technical conditions.

Your benefits at a glance:

• Reliability: Ultra-fast charging with premium technology.
• Accessibility: Wherever you need it in the city.
• Simplicity: Extremely easy to use and available around the clock.
• Save time: Recharge during a short break and continue your journey feeling refreshed.
• Charge fast, save time: Enjoy the benefits of fast charging with JOLT. Step into a perfectly air-conditioned car without having to worry about the next charging station.

Find out more and locate your nearest JOLT charging station!