Effects of ambient temperature on electric vehicle electricity consumption are reduced in a warming world

Emerging evidence suggests that ambient temperature affects electric vehicles (EVs) electricity consumption through influencing lithium-ion batteries, yet this effect remains unclear in a warming world. We simulate global EV stock and electricity consumption patterns in response to temperature changes from 2010 to 2100 on 0.5° grids. Global EV electricity consumption reached 61 TWh in 2022, projected to rise to 679 (654-713) TWh by 2030 and 2,395 (2,151-2,673) TWh by 2050. While overall electricity demand grows with EV adoption, temperature's percentage impact on this demand decreases from 12.3% in 2030 to 10.0% by 2100. As global warming progresses, temperature's impact on EV power demand is expected to decline in most nations. However, equatorial areas and Southern Hemisphere mid-latitudes may experience increased consumption. This apparent paradox occurs because massive EV growth outweighs efficiency gains from reduced temperature effects. These findings underscore the need for climate mitigation strategies and energy system planning.