You’re pointing to a real-world range test (over 400 km from Seville to Córdoba in Spain, with ambient temperatures of 32 °C–44 °C) comparing the Citroën e-C3 Max, Kia EV3 Long Range, and Tesla Model 3 Long Range—and the results make for a pretty stark reality check on how heat affects EVs.
Here’s what the data shows:
According to the What Car? performance trial:
Efficiency (miles per kWh) also followed that trend: the e-C3 averaged ~2.7 mi/kWh, the EV3 ~2.9 mi/kWh, and the Model 3 ~3.0 mi/kWh
These results align with—but also underscore just how much more severe range loss becomes when temperatures exceed 40 °C, especially during sustained, high-load conditions like highway driving in the Spanish heat.
In extreme heat (32 °C to 44 °C):
In high but less extreme heat:
Here’s what the data shows:
Real-World Results from the Heat Test
According to the What Car? performance trial:
| Vehicle | Claimed (WLTP) Range | Actual Range in 32–44 °C | Range Drop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citroën e-C3 Max | ~199 mi (320 km) | 142 mi (≈228 km) | ~29 % |
| Kia EV3 Long Range | ~362 mi (583 km) | 246 mi (≈396 km) | ~32 % |
| Tesla Model 3 LR | ~436 mi (702 km) | 244 mi (≈393 km) | ~44 % |
- The Citroën e-C3 managed about 142 miles, falling roughly 29% below its WLTP figure.
- The Kia EV3 did 246 miles, representing about a 32% drop
- The Tesla Model 3 fared the worst, with only 244 miles delivered—44% less than its claimed range.
Efficiency (miles per kWh) also followed that trend: the e-C3 averaged ~2.7 mi/kWh, the EV3 ~2.9 mi/kWh, and the Model 3 ~3.0 mi/kWh
Broader Perspective on Heat and EV Range
Temperature-Based Performance Trends
- Recurrent Auto's large-scale data (nearly 30,000 vehicles) shows:
- At 32 °C (90°F), range loss is minimal: ~5%.
- At 37 °C (100°F), loss rises to ~17–18%
- InsideEVs data, analyzing multiple models, reports:
- 5% loss at 32 °C (90°F)
- 15% loss at 35 °C (95°F)
- 31% loss at 38 °C (100°F) .
- AAA findings reveal:
- ~17% range reduction at 35 °C (95 °F) if air conditioning is in use
These results align with—but also underscore just how much more severe range loss becomes when temperatures exceed 40 °C, especially during sustained, high-load conditions like highway driving in the Spanish heat.
What’s the Bottom Line?
- EVs can still operate in extreme heat, but expect notable range reductions—in these specific real-world tests, between ~29% (Citroën) and up to ~44% (Tesla).
- Generally, in hot—but not extreme—conditions (30–38 °C), range loss tends to fall between 5–30%, depending on factors like vehicle model, AC usage, and driving behavior.
- The Tesla Model 3 in this trial underperformed dramatically compared to its WLTP figure, showing how real-world extremes can diverge from idealized lab numbers.
Why Does Heat Hit EV Range So Hard?
- Thermal management energy consumption: Keeping batteries and cabin cool draws power that not only reduces range but can also throttle charging.
- Efficiency differences: Vehicles with highly optimized thermal systems (like heat pumps) may fare better—but sustained high heat still takes a toll.
- Big temperature deltas: The hotter the environment and the more cooling needed, the greater the energy penalty.
What You Can Do to Mitigate Heat-Related Range Loss
- Pre-condition (pre-cool) your car while it's plugged in—this shifts the energy load off your battery
- Park in shade or cooled garages and use window sunshades to keep interior temperatures lower.
- Avoid letting the battery drop too low in the heat—battery cooling systems may draw on charging energy to maintain safe temperatures
- Plan for more frequent charging stops during long trips in hot climates.
- Consider EVs with better heat resilience or thermal management technologies, like heat pumps, which tend to preserve more range in both heat and cold.
TL;DR
In extreme heat (32 °C to 44 °C):
- Citroën e-C3: ~29% range loss.
- Kia EV3: ~32% loss.
- Tesla Model 3: ~44% loss.
In high but less extreme heat:
- Expect 5–18% range loss around 32–37 °C.
- Losses can escalate to 15–30% or higher above 35–38 °C.