Debunking Summer EV Myths: Facts Every Driver Should Know

As summer arrives in full swing here in Temecula area, conversations at Tim Moran Auto Group inevitably heat up—not just about temperatures and travel plans, but about electric vehicles (EVs). With more drivers showing serious interest in EVs, we hear a lot of questions, concerns, and, yes, myths—especially about how EVs perform in the summer.

At Tim Moran Auto Group, where we proudly carry a lineup that includes Ford, Hyundai, and Chevy electric vehicles, our mission is to provide customers with clear, accurate, and unbiased information to make confident decisions about their next car. This article aims to address and debunk some of the most common myths we hear about driving EVs in the warmer months.

Myth #1: EV Batteries Don’t Handle the Heat Well

The Truth: While it’s true that extreme temperatures can affect any battery—gasoline-powered or electric—modern EVs are engineered to operate efficiently across a wide range of climates, including the peak heat of summer.

For example, the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Hyundai IONIQ 5 feature sophisticated battery thermal management systems that regulate battery temperature, keeping performance steady even during heatwaves. Chevy’s Bolt EV uses similar technology. These systems help protect the battery, preserve range, and support fast charging without compromising safety.

In short, if your EV is designed for American roads—and all the vehicles we carry are—it’s built for summer.

Myth #2: Air Conditioning Will Drain the Battery Quickly

The Truth: Yes, running the air conditioner in an EV draws power from the battery—but it’s much more efficient than you might think.

Unlike traditional cars that rely on an engine-driven compressor, most EVs use electric compressors that are more energy-efficient. Smart climate control systems like the one in the Hyundai Kona Electric allow you to pre-condition the cabin while the car is still plugged in. That means your car can cool down while you’re finishing your coffee, and the energy comes from the charger—not the battery.

So, while you might see a slight dip in range when cranking the A/C, it’s typically marginal—not a deal-breaker.

Myth #3: You Can’t Take EVs on Summer Road Trips

The Truth: Today’s EVs have longer ranges and better charging networks than ever before. Depending on the model, you can expect anywhere from 250 to 320+ miles per full charge—ample for most road trip legs.

And the charging infrastructure? It’s growing fast. With networks like Electrify America and Tesla’s Supercharger network (now increasingly available to non-Tesla vehicles), you can plan a cross-state or even cross-country trip using your EV. Many of our customers at Tim Moran Auto Group are surprised to learn that road-tripping in a Ford F-150 Lightning or Chevy Blazer EV is not only possible—but often cheaper and more convenient than they expected.

Several EVs also include navigation systems that automatically plot your route based on available chargers, charging times, and traffic.

Myth #4: EV Range Drops Significantly in the Summer

The Truth: Most people know that cold temperatures can impact battery performance, but in summer, it’s a different story. In fact, EVs often perform better in warm weather than in cold conditions.

That said, aggressive driving, uphill terrain, or using the A/C excessively on long trips can slightly reduce range. Still, many customers at our dealership report that they see more range during summer months than they do in winter—especially if they follow a few simple tips like avoiding fast acceleration and using eco driving modes.

Myth #5: Charging Takes Too Long for Summer Convenience

The Truth: This one really depends on your setup. For daily driving or commuting, most EV owners do the majority of their charging at home overnight. Think of it like charging your phone while you sleep—wake up and you’re ready to go.

For road trips or longer excursions, DC fast charging can provide a major boost in as little as 20-30 minutes, depending on the vehicle. For example, the Hyundai IONIQ 6 can charge from 10% to 80% in about 18 minutes under ideal conditions with a compatible 800V charger.

Public fast chargers are increasingly available at rest stops, shopping centers, and even rural travel corridors. We often guide customers through local charger locations and route planning tools before they even take delivery of their EV, giving them confidence for both everyday errands and summer getaways.

Myth #6: EVs Are Too New to Be Trusted for Family Travel

The Truth: It’s easy to forget that EVs have been on American roads for over a decade now. Vehicles like the Chevy Bolt EV and Ford’s electric lineup are based on years of engineering refinement and real-world data.

EVs tend to have fewer moving parts than gasoline vehicles, which can mean fewer maintenance surprises during your vacation. No oil changes. No transmission repairs. No timing belts. That’s part of the appeal for many families considering an EV for long-term value and peace of mind.

And because we hear this question so often, we also help our customers explore EVs with the latest driver-assist and safety tech—including options like Ford’s BlueCruise or Hyundai’s SmartSense, which can make those long highway drives safer and less stressful.

Final Thoughts: The Summer of EV Confidence

Electric vehicles are not just for early adopters anymore—they're for everyday drivers, families, and anyone looking for a smoother, quieter, and more efficient ride. At Tim Moran Auto Group, we’ve helped hundreds of drivers make the transition, and summertime concerns are among the easiest to clear up once people get behind the wheel.

We understand that buying or leasing a new type of vehicle—especially an electric one—comes with questions. That’s why we encourage anyone curious about EVs to stop by, take a test drive, and ask as many questions as you’d like. Whether it’s about charging times, road trip planning, or real-world performance, we’re here to help.

No sales pitch—just facts, transparency, and a chance to see what today’s electric vehicles are really capable of, even in the summer heat.