How much does AC affect EV range? Not as much as you might think. While your EV’s air conditioning system does draw power from the same battery that drives the wheels, the actual impact on range is surprisingly small—especially compared to heating systems. That’s because EV aircon uses an electric compressor powered directly by the vehicle’s battery, bypassing the old-school belt-and-pulley setup used in petrol and diesel cars. The result? Smooth, efficient cooling without chewing through your charge too quickly.
On a blazing Aussie summer day, your EV’s climate system is more than capable of keeping things comfortable without sending your range into freefall. Whether you’re navigating bumper-to-bumper traffic or cruising the freeway, you’ll stay cool with only a minor trade-off in range.
To keep your electric vehicle performing at its best, our team has put together this expert guide to EV air conditioning—covering everything from how it works to how you can make it work smarter. If you’re after more hands-on help, check out our electric car service for diagnostics, aircon tuning, and more. Keep reading to learn how to stay cool without compromising performance.
Quick Summary
- Minimal Impact on Range: Wondering how much AC affects EV range? The answer: not much. Most modern EVs lose just a few kilometres when the aircon is running—especially compared to power-hungry heating systems.
- Battery-Powered Efficiency: EV air conditioning runs on an electric compressor powered by the battery, ditching the inefficient belt-and-pulley system of traditional vehicles.
- Smart Design for Hot Weather: Your EV’s AC system is built for Aussie heat—cooling the cabin without dramatically draining your charge.
- Drive Style Still Matters: Heavy loads and aggressive acceleration increase battery draw overall, which can reduce what’s left for aircon.
- Preconditioning Helps: Cooling the car while it’s plugged in means less drain on the battery once you’re on the road.
- Ongoing Maintenance Is Key: Regular car aircon service keeps your AC running cold and your battery system working at peak performance.
How Does EV Air Conditioning Work?
Unlike traditional vehicles that use engine-driven compressors, EV air conditioning systems are powered by an electric compressor that draws energy directly from the battery pack. This setup eliminates the need for a belt-and-pulley system, giving you more efficient, on-demand climate control without relying on engine power.
On hot days, it not only keeps the cabin cool—it can also help regulate battery temperature in many modern EVs, contributing to overall vehicle performance and battery health.
It’s a smart, efficient system designed with both comfort and energy savings in mind.
Does Using the Aircon Significantly Drain the Battery?
Short answer: not really. While running air conditioning in EV cars does pull a bit of juice from your battery, modern EV designs make the effect pretty modest. You might see a slight dip in your total kilometres, but it’s typically small enough that you can blast the cold air without stressing too much about your next charge. In fact, for many drivers, the comfort gained is well worth any minor impact on range.
One helpful strategy is to plan your route with charging stations in mind. A quick coffee stop at a charging point will often top you up while you rest or grab a snack. With a bit of forward thinking, you’ll find that using the aircon doesn’t clip your wings nearly as much as you’d fear.
How Can You Minimise Aircon’s Effect on EV Range?
The simple tweaks below can easily offset any minor battery drain from the aircon:
- Precondition: Cool or heat your cabin while the car’s still plugged in so the heavy lifting doesn’t fall on battery power alone. This trick is super handy if you know you’ll be leaving at a certain time—many EVs let you schedule preconditioning via a smartphone app.
- Eco Modes: Switching to your EV’s “Eco” or power-saving climate setting reduces how hard the AC has to work. You’ll still stay comfortable, but the system won’t blast full-power cooling unnecessarily.
- Windows Up: Resist the urge to drive with the windows open at high speed—open windows create drag, which can cost more range than the AC. It’s more efficient to keep them closed and let the aircon do its thing.
- Smooth Driving: By adopting a steady driving style, you allow the battery to focus on propulsion, leaving enough power for the aircon. Think of it as working smarter, not harder.
Combined, these tactics help you get the most from your battery. You’ll arrive relaxed, and so will your EV’s range meter.
Why Driving Style and Load Affect Aircon Use
If you’re ferrying the entire family plus luggage—or you’re a bit of a speed demon—your EV’s battery is already working overtime. More load or faster acceleration means a bigger power draw, leaving less headroom for the air conditioning. In other words, your battery has to juggle more tasks, which can impact how efficiently the AC runs.
It’s not just about extra people or gear, either. If you tend to punch the accelerator or brake hard, you’ll burn through your energy reserves faster. That means less juice to spare for cooling or heating. Plan your trip sensibly, maintain the right tyre pressure, and use cruise control when possible. Small changes like this keep your battery from having to fight so many fires at once.
Pro Tips: Map out your journey, factor in any hills (those can gobble up more electricity), and try to keep your cabin at a moderate temperature setting. You’ll extend your range while staying plenty comfortable.
Is Heating or Cooling Harder on Your EV Battery?
When it comes to energy usage, heating generally uses more power than cooling. That’s because your EV has to create heat, whereas the aircon mostly just moves heat out of the cabin. So in the sizzling Aussie summer, you can crank the AC with minimal stress. Winter, on the other hand, can be a real battery hog due to heating demands—especially if you’re running seat warmers or defrosters at full blast.
What does this mean for day-to-day driving? Most owners find summer conditions easier on their range than an icy winter morning. Even so, your EV has built-in smarts to manage temperature changes as efficiently as possible. And if you plan your charging routine, you’ll be more than covered for typical commuting, school drop-offs, or weekend getaways.
Do You Need Regular Car Aircon Service for EVs?
The short answer: yes! Even though there’s no engine under the hood, your EV air conditioning system still needs upkeep. Refrigerant can leak, filters clog, and components wear out over time. Getting a car aircon service ensures your EV continues to blow crisp, cool air and your battery’s thermal management stays healthy.
A regular check might involve replenishing refrigerant, swapping out filters, and inspecting hoses or seals. If everything’s in top condition, you’ll avoid those sneaky issues that sneak up on you in the middle of a heatwave. Plus, it keeps your warranty or service plan in good standing—always a bonus.
You May Also Like: Do Electric Cars Need Servicing?
FAQs
Do EVs Have Air Conditioning?
Do EVs have air conditioning? Absolutely. Today’s electric rides feature a proper EV air conditioning system for the cabin—alongside thermal management for the battery. EV tech is all about efficiency, so many models share cooling hardware to keep both you and your battery comfortable. That means your ride doesn’t just keep you from overheating; it also safeguards your battery from the harsh Aussie heat.
A properly regulated battery temperature translates to fewer performance dips and a longer overall battery lifespan. That’s a real plus if you’re looking to maximise your investment and enjoy your EV for years to come. Basically, you stay cool, your battery stays cool, and your driving experience remains smooth. Win-win.
How Does EV Aircon Also Protect Your Battery?
Your air conditioning in EV cars often does double duty. In many setups, it’s hooked into the battery cooling loop, keeping your pack from overheating under high loads or sweltering Perth summers. The last thing you want is a battery that’s cooking away in triple-digit temps—thermal stress can reduce its longevity and overall efficiency.
By piggybacking on the AC system, your EV can maintain optimal battery temperatures more easily. That means fewer performance hiccups, more reliable charging speeds, and a healthier long-term outlook for your battery’s performance. If your EV’s battery could talk, it would thank you for using the aircon on a scorching day.
Can I Use My EV’s AC in Extreme Temperatures Without Damaging the Battery?
Yes, electric vehicles are engineered to cope with hot and cold weather. In scorching conditions, aircon also helps cool the battery. As long as the system is serviced and maintained, you can confidently use your AC without harming battery health.
Conclusion
EV air conditioning isn’t just about comfort—it’s about looking after your car’s health too. A well-maintained AC system protects your battery, spares your range, and makes every journey a pleasant one. Whether you’re driving across Perth to pick up the kids or exploring WA’s stunning roads on the weekend, you’ll be glad you have a trusty climate system on your side.
Thanks to battery-powered compressors and smart thermal management, your EV can handle high temps while keeping you and your battery cool as a cucumber. If you’re ready for smoother, cooler travels, we’ve got you covered.
Book your next check-up with our electric car service pros at Voltaic for a quality car aircon service in Perth. We’ll make sure your battery’s in top shape and your aircon is running like a dream—so you can focus on enjoying every kilometre ahead, no matter how hot it gets.