Summary
- Modern EVs are equipped with heat pumps and battery heaters to prevent range loss in extreme temperatures
- Automakers, like Nissan, test their vehicles in extreme temperatures to ensure performance
- The Nissan Ariya uses liquid cooling and a battery heater to maintain optimal battery temperature
- Even in freezing conditions, EVs can deliver over 100 miles of range
- Heat pumps have shown to improve cold-weather range by 10%
Article
Modern electric vehicles have made significant advancements in dealing with extreme temperature range loss and degradation. Heat pumps, battery heaters, and new battery chemistries have all played a role in improving the performance and longevity of EV batteries in a variety of temperatures. Automakers like Nissan have been testing their vehicles in extreme conditions to ensure that they can perform well in both hot and cold weather. The Nissan Ariya crossover, for example, uses liquid cooling to maintain the battery pack at the optimal temperature in hot weather and a battery heater for colder temperatures.
Nissan conducts cold temperature testing on its vehicles to ensure that they can perform in sub-zero temperatures. Tests have shown that the Ariya maintains its charge levels even after being subjected to temperatures as low as -4 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods of time. Owners are advised to keep their vehicles plugged in to pre-heat the cabin and maintain the battery charge. The use of heat pumps in EVs helps to minimize range loss in cold weather, making them more efficient in extreme temperatures compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles.
High temperatures are also a consideration for automakers when developing EVs. Nissan has deployed Ariya SUVs as security patrol vehicles at its Arizona proving ground, where temperatures can exceed 115 degrees Fahrenheit. These vehicles have proven to be reliable under the extreme conditions of the desert test track, showcasing the effectiveness of the thermal management systems in modern EVs. This thorough testing in extreme temperatures has led to improved performance and range retention in a wide range of EV models.
Data from Recurrent, a company that gathers EV driving data, shows that modern EVs are performing well in freezing temperatures, with some models delivering over 100 miles of range even in sub-zero conditions. Models equipped with heat pumps have shown a 10% improvement in cold-weather range, with major brands like Tesla and Nissan leading the way in adapting to extreme temperatures. The advancements in thermal systems and hardware have significantly improved the overall performance and range retention of EVs under various weather conditions.
Nissan’s evolution in adding thermal systems and accommodating for extremes is a testament to how far EVs have come in addressing range loss and degradation issues. The company’s original Leaf EV lacked active thermal management, leading to range reduction in cold temperatures and accelerated degradation in hot weather. By incorporating new cell chemistries and advanced thermal management systems in their vehicles like the Ariya, Nissan has been able to overcome these challenges and improve the overall performance of their EV lineup. These advancements have proven to be effective in maintaining battery health and ensuring long-term reliability for EV owners.
While range loss in cold weather may be a temporary concern for EV owners, long-term battery degradation is more of a concern in hot weather. Research suggests that most new EVs are designed to withstand frequent fast-charging and other habits that were previously discouraged due to concerns over battery degradation. The improvements in thermal management and battery technology in modern EVs have made them more resilient and efficient in extreme temperatures. As automakers continue to innovate and refine their EV models, the future looks promising for electric vehicles in all weather conditions.
Read the full article here
