AAA: Cold weather can cut electric car range by 40 percent

DETROIT (AP) — A new study finds that cold temperatures can sap electric car batteries, temporarily reducing their range by more than 40 percent when interior heaters are used.

The study of five electric vehicles by AAA also found that high temperatures can cut into battery range, but not nearly as much as the cold. The range returns to normal in more comfortable temperatures.

Many owners discovered the range limitations last week when much of the country was in the grips of a polar vortex.

AAA says it tested the cars at 75 degrees, then compared how far the range dropped at 20 degrees and 95 degrees. When the cabin heater is used, the range fell 41 percent at 20 degrees, according to the study.