Impact of extreme temperatures:
- High heat accelerates degradation: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause chemical aging, reducing overall battery lifespan.
- Cold reduces performance: In freezing conditions, battery efficiency drops — resulting in lower range and slower charging.
- Thermal management systems: Most modern EVs include active cooling and heating systems to protect the battery from extreme conditions.
- Storage and parking matter: Leaving an EV in hot sun or freezing cold for long periods can stress the battery even when not in use.
In short, extreme heat degrades the battery over time, while extreme cold limits short-term performance — but EVs are designed with systems to minimize the impact.