Vaisala released its latest weather and EV range report, detailing how EV range and weather conditions affect EV performance across the U.S. The report, based on Xweather EV range data, highlights how temperature, wind, and elevation impact battery efficiency. Especially with colder regions seeing significant range reductions compared to warm-weather states.

Best and Worst States for EV Driving Conditions

The report identifies Arizona, Florida, and Texas as the top states for EV range. This is thanks to warmer temperatures and lower air density. In contrast, Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire experience the steepest range drops due to cold temperatures that limit battery performance.

On Aug. 4, 2024, New Mexico recorded the best EV range performance, with warm weather, low wind, and high elevation reducing drag. This pushed EV range 18% above the median. Meanwhile, North Dakota recorded the worst range drop on Jan. 20, when extreme cold slashed median range by 59%—77% lower than New Mexico’s high point. Notably, North Dakota also has one of the lowest EV adoption rates in the country.

EV Range and Weather: Hot vs. Cold Temperatures

EV batteries perform best in warm conditions, as lower air density improves efficiency. However, when temperatures climb too high, battery cooling demands increase, offsetting those benefits. For example, California—home to the highest EV adoption rate—experienced major range drops in the summer of 2024. This was due to extreme heat and wind, counteracting the expected range boost from lower air density.

Cold weather significantly reduces EV range, as batteries work harder to heat the cabin and counteract rolling resistance from snow and ice. Winter Storm Enzo in Jan. caused a rare cold snap in Florida. This lowered EV range 15% below the median, a dramatic shift for one of the best-performing states.

Political Trends Influence EV Adoption More Than Range Conditions

EV adoption does not always align with optimal driving conditions. While warmer states generally offer better EV performance, some cold-weather states like Washington and Oregon have higher adoption rates than ideal-range states like Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. The data suggests that political trends influence EV adoption more than actual range performance, Vaisala said.

Altitude, Snow, and Wind Play a Major Role

The report reveals that elevation and rolling resistance strongly impact EV range. Higher-altitude states like Colorado and Utah outperform other cold-weather regions because lower air density reduces aerodynamic drag, improving battery efficiency. These states also maintain well-cleared roads in winter, which helps prevent range losses from deep snow.

On Jan. 10, Arkansas saw one of the biggest EV range drops, when heavy snowfall increased rolling resistance by 300%, reducing EV range by 40% below the median.

How Real-Time Weather Data Could Improve EV Range Predictions

“One of the key discussions around EV adoption has been the range presented by car makers versus how this is experienced by drivers. The discrepancy between the two largely comes down to the driving conditions. Most drivers know how temperature impacts range, but with this data, we can show exactly how all weather impacts EV range,” said Lasse Lumiaho, Head of Automotive at Vaisala Xweather.

A Comprehensive Look at EV Range and Weather Trends

The Vaisala EV range and weather report covers 12 months of data from March 2024 to Feb. 2025, offering state-by-state breakdowns on how temperature, wind, and precipitation affect EV efficiency.

Read the full report here.