Summary
- EVs with a heat pump retain 83% of their real-world range in freezing temperatures on average
- EVs without a heat pump lose roughly 25% of their real-world range on average
- Having a heat pump isn’t everything; some EVs without one can still deliver over 80% of their real-world range in the cold
- Pre-heating the cabin while still connected to a charger can help minimize range loss during winter
- Cold temperatures affect battery chemistry, leading to longer recharge times and lower power levels
Article
EVs with Heat Pumps Retain 83% of Range in Freezing Temperatures
When it comes to electric vehicles (EVs), cold weather can significantly impact their efficiency. In fact, EVs with a heat pump retain 83% of their real-world range in freezing temperatures on average, while EVs without a heat pump lose roughly 25% of their real-world range on average. However, it’s important to note that some EVs without a heat pump can still deliver over 80% of their real-world range in cold weather conditions.
Impact of Cold Weather on Vehicle Efficiency
In cold weather, fuel efficiency decreases for all types of vehicles. Combustion cars experience increased fuel consumption due to the denser cold air and colder fluids leading to increased friction. Electric vehicles, on the other hand, require more energy to warm the cabin, as they lack the waste heat that internal combustion engine cars produce. This results in more energy being used from the high-voltage battery to heat the interior. Additionally, the battery chemistry is affected by the cold, causing longer recharge times and lower power levels.
Recurrent Study on EV Performance in Freezing Temperatures
Recurrent conducted a study analyzing data from over 18,000 battery-powered cars in the United States to determine how popular EVs are affected by freezing temperatures. The study found that having a heat pump can mitigate cold weather range loss by around 10% on average compared to using a conventional resistance heater. A heat pump works by transferring heat from the outside air and functions as an air conditioner in reverse, using refrigerant and compression to produce hot air.
Performance of Popular EVs in Freezing Temperatures
The study revealed that out of 20 popular EVs analyzed, the Volkswagen ID.4 experienced the most range loss in freezing temperatures. Tesla Model 3, for example, with a heat pump, loses 13% of its real-world range in the cold, while the same model without a heat pump loses 21% of its range. On average, vehicles with heat pumps retain 83% of their range in freezing conditions compared to 75% of the range without heat pumps on average.
Tips for EV Owners to Minimize Range Loss in Winter
To minimize range loss during winter, EV owners can pre-heat the cabin while the car is parked and connected to a charger to use energy from the grid instead of the battery. Additionally, lowering the climate system temperature and utilizing heated seats and steering wheel can help preserve range if the state of charge declines faster than predicted. Drivers should expect fewer miles between recharges in the winter compared to warmer weather, and familiarizing themselves with EV winter driving tips can help maximize range during winter conditions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cold weather poses challenges for all types of vehicles, impacting fuel efficiency and range for both combustion cars and EVs. However, with the right strategies in place, such as utilizing heat pumps, pre-heating the cabin, and adjusting climate settings, EV owners can mitigate the effects of cold weather on their vehicle’s performance. As the popularity of EVs continues to grow, it is crucial for drivers to be informed about how winter conditions can affect their vehicles and the steps they can take to optimize performance and range during the colder months.
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