Electric cars have ushered in a new era of innovation, with brands regularly updating vehicles to feature all kinds of modern technology.
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That includes lots of technology to improve the range of modern EVs, such as regenerative braking. That takes the kinetic energy that would be lost by a car slowing down and feed it back into the battery.
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One of the most notable bits of new technology helping to boost the range of an EV ' particularly in winter ' is a heat pump. Now an optional extra on many EVs, heat pumps retain heat from the batteries and use it to increase the range of an EV.
Here we explain how heat pumps work, how they benefit your electric car and how much they cost as an optional extra.
How does a heat pump work?
Motors, whether electric or combustion engine, produce heat when they're used. That's effectively wasted energy, so in an attempt to make the most of it combustion engine cars use a small amount of it to help run a car's heating and ventilation.
By comparison, EVs are just too efficient for their own good: while the motors and batteries do produce excess heat that can harm the range, there isn't enough to be used for the ventilation system. So EV drivers either go cold, or have to draw extra power from the battery to operate a fan heater. Not ideal.
That's where a heat pump comes in. It's effectively a refrigerator but in reverse: its function is the opposite of the one found in your kitchen.
A household fridge contains refrigerant gas which becomes hot when compressed. Once compressed the gas is transported around a number of tubes to the condenser.
The condenser then radiates the heat out, thus cooling the refrigerant gas which then travels into a grid called the evaporator. Because the evaporator is larger than the condenser, the pressure drops and the liquid refrigerant is evaporated. The temperature then drops and the fridge is cooled.
An EV heat pump draws air in from outside, compresses it, then uses the heat from the condenser to raise the temperature in either the battery or the car's interior.
Reversible heat pumps can also warm, as well as cool, the battery. If cooling, any excess heat from the battery can be sent to the inside via the cabin heater.
Does it increase the range of an EV?
Adding a heat pump has many benefits, but most importantly is its ability to increase the range of your electric car, particularly during the winter months.
When an electric car is switched on in winter months, it takes longer for the battery to warm up which reduces efficiency. The lithium-ion batteries in an EV rely on chemical reactions to store and create electricity. Cold weather slows these reactions down resulting in the drop in performance and range.
It is estimated that EVs range drops by around 10 per cent in winter, even before you account for using extra energy for cabin heating. Heat pumps can really help reduce that drop-off.
During our winter real-world range test ' conducted in partnership with sister brand What Car? ' the electric cars fitted with a heat pump fell short of their official range by an average of 25.4 per cent, while those without suffered a 33.6 per cent deficit.
Cars with heat pumps also proved more efficient, averaging 3.2 miles/kWh, compared with 2.9 miles/kWh for ones without.
In addition, heat pumps are often programmed to be remotely controlled by your smartphone, allowing EV owners to heat their car before they set off on a journey. And if you're plugged into the mains electricity you won't drain the battery either.
Do heat pumps come as standard?
Heat pumps becoming more popular, and some brand such as Tesla, Porsche and BMW offer EVs with such devices as standard. Some manufacturers offer a heat pump as an optional extra, and frustratingly they can be a pricey addition.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5, for example, offers a heat pump as an optional extra for £995. Skoda asks for £ for a heat pump for the Enyaq iV. It is worth noting that heat pumps are often included in the kit list for higher trim levels of many models.
Even if they are an expensive option, a heat pump is worth considering: they have extensive benefits, from improving efficiency, to increasing the range of your EV.
Whether you're thinking of making the switch to an EV or about to order your new set of zero-emission wheels, we'd recommend adding a heat pump for peace of mind.
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Electric Vehicles have transformed the automotive industry, providing greener and more eco-friendly alternatives than their gasoline-fuelled equivalents. As their popularity surges further, understanding EVs becomes essential both to potential buyers as well as current owners - one such feature being the climate control system which ensures drivers enjoy an optimal driving experience compared to conventional cars which rely solely on engine heat to warm the cabin. But, How are electric cars heated and cooled?
The Fundamentals of EV Climate Controller
Traditional vehicles utilize their internal combustion engines to produce excess heat that is then channeled towards heating the cabin - this process is relatively uncomplicated and does not negatively affect vehicle efficiency. By contrast, electric cars must rely on alternate methods of cabin heating which could have serious repercussions for battery life and driving range.
Importance of Effective Climate Control Solutions
Climate control in electric vehicles isn't solely about comfort; it plays an integral part in their efficiency as a car. Maintaining an optimal interior temperature requires energy from batteries that ultimately limit range; for this reason, manufacturers of such cars need to develop effective heating and cooling systems that balance comfort with efficiency.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit How Do Electric Cars Heat the Interior.
At Hiller Automotive, we provide comprehensive care with all car services to keep your vehicle running smoothly, whether it's an EV or a traditional car!
Heating Systems for Electric Cars
Electric Resistance Heaters
Electric resistance heaters are one of the primary methods used in electric vehicles to warm their cabin. These devices work by passing an electrical current through a resistive element and producing heat which then flows throughout the cabin. Although electric resistance heaters may be effective and energy-saving measures, their use also has negative implications that limit the driving range of an EV.
Heat Pumps
Heat pump technology offers an energy-saving alternative to resistance heaters for warming electric cars, transferring heat from outside into the interior even during freezing weather conditions. This process consumes much less power than producing new heat from scratch - and thus makes heat pumps an attractive sustainable heating option that many modern EVs like Tesla Model 3 and Nissan Leaf use to increase energy efficiency and extend driving range.
Cab Preconditioning
Another efficient method for heating electric vehicles is cabin preconditioning. This feature enables drivers to heat the interior before starting their journey by tapping electricity from the grid rather than from their car's battery pack - saving both energy and maintaining efficiency during travel.
For expert advice and the latest technology in car heating solutions, check out our services at Hiller Automotive to keep your vehicle comfortable year-round!
Cooling Systems In Electric Cars
Air Conditioning Systems
An electric car's cabin cooling is typically accomplished using an air conditioning system similar to those found in traditional vehicles; however, in an EV the AC is powered directly from its battery pack; although this process tends to be effective and energy efficient under most conditions it may draw significant power in extreme heat environments.
Heat Pumps for Cooling
A heat pump used for heating can also be utilized as an efficient means of cooling an EV cabin by switching its refrigerant flow direction; extracting heat from inside and expelling it outside more effectively than traditional air conditioning units would.
Battery Cooling Systems
Cooling is essential to the long-term health and performance of an electric vehicle's battery. High temperatures can compromise its performance, shortening its lifespan dramatically. Modern EVs feature dedicated cooling systems that help ensure battery temperatures stay at an optimum setting ensuring long-term reliability and consistent performance.
The Bottom Line
How are electric cars heated and cooled? - Effective heating and cooling systems are key features in electric vehicles, having direct effects on comfort, efficiency, and battery life. Understanding these features before purchasing can help guide informed decisions. At Hiller Automotive we provide comprehensive information and services for all car types including electric ones - whether that means car heater solutions or advice on all services, Hiller Automotive is your reliable partner in automotive care!
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Bus Heaters. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.