Cold Weather Challenges EV Battery Performance; Hertz Ditches EVs for Gas-Powered Cars

As winter temperatures drop, electric vehicle drivers face reduced battery range and longer charging times, while car rental company Hertz opts to replace a third of its EV fleet with traditional gas-powered vehicles.

Winter weather can cause electric vehicle (EV) batteries to lose an average of 41% of their range when outdoor temperatures drop to 20 degrees Fahrenheit and the heat is on, according to AAA researchers.
The cold weather is causing frustrations for many EV drivers, as they have to charge their vehicles more frequently and spend longer hours at charging stations.
Hertz, the car rental giant, announced it is removing one-third of their EVs – 20,000 cars -- from their rental fleet and replacing them with gas-powered vehicles, citing the cars are unpopular and uneconomic.
The Biden administration has committed billions of dollars through the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support charging infrastructure and speed electrification of the nation’s transportation system.
Despite the push for EV adoption, consumers remain unconvinced due to high purchase prices, inadequate charging infrastructure, and maintenance costs.