The cold winter months can take their toll on any vehicle, electric or gas. And while gas-powered vehicles can experience various wintertime issues, electric car drivers may see most of their problems affecting driving range.
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Learn what may be decreasing your electric car range in winter and what you can do to help.
Your EV's battery uses chemical reactions to store and release the power necessary to operate your vehicle. Colder temperatures can slow this process, making it more difficult for the battery to function efficiently.
EV batteries (or high-voltage battery packs) must maintain optimal temperatures to function efficiently. Most EVs have a battery cooling and heating system to help maintain optimal temperatures. Since freezing weather causes this battery chemistry to slow down, the vehicle may use energy from the high-voltage battery pack to help raise and maintain its temperature. There are different ways to heat the battery pack, including cabin air from the heater, a heating grid system, or a heating element integrated into the battery's liquid cooling system.
In short, your EV battery has to work harder to power and warm your electric car in cold weather. This higher demand on the battery can impact your vehicle's range, especially in sub-zero temperatures. But this isn't the only thing that can affect your range in winter ' cranking the heat in your cabin can also produce the same effects.
Yes, running your heat can cause a decrease in range during the colder months, specifically if your cabin heater relies on energy from the high-voltage battery pack.
Gas-powered vehicles use a combustion process to power the vehicle. This combustion process generates a lot of heat which generally escapes and is considered waste heat. During the wintertime, however, this waste heat is pumped into the vehicle whenever you warm up your passenger space. Since the engine already produces the heat and it only needs to be diverted into the cabin, this process can use less fuel to heat your car.
On the other hand, battery-powered electric vehicles do not have a combustion engine to generate heat, so it must come from an auxiliary source. Many electric vehicles use a resistive heating system that requires high-voltage battery power to produce cabin heat. Other EVs may use a heat pump to redirect heat into the cabin, providing resistive heating in freezing temperatures when the heat pump becomes less efficient. While the heat pump may use less battery pack energy to produce heat versus resistive heating, all this warm air can still use up quite a bit of power. And using this power to warm the cabin means it isn't being used on range.
Possible range decreases may leave you wondering if purchasing an EV is worth the effort ' especially if you live in a colder climate where it's consistently below freezing.
If temperatures frequently dip below freezing where you live, and you're considering getting an electric vehicle, opt for the most efficient option with the most range at full charge. This means you may want to forego larger body types, extra cargo space, third-row seating, or any upgrades or add-ons that can deplete your EV's battery faster.
Additionally, to remain proactive against this potential issue, you'll want to ensure that your vehicle is garage-parked overnight. During this time, ensure that it has a full charge and that the battery pack is at optimal temperature before traveling. More energy is required to warm the battery pack and cabin temperature than it does to maintain it.
Despite their potential decreased range in winter, electric vehicles can still be an excellent option for drivers who take frequent short trips and want to save some money at the pump.
Keeping your EV well-maintained can help you stay prepared for colder winter months. Firestone Complete Auto Care has EV and hybrid vehicle services like general maintenance, scheduled maintenance, and high voltage system diagnostics and repairs. And you can get even more performance from your EV during the winter months by equipping Firestone Winterforce tires for improved traction!
Contact your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care today to ensure high-voltage system repairs are available in your area.
Electric cars have come a long way in recent years, offering a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to traditional petrol or diesel-powered vehicles.
But, as any electric car owner will tell you, one of the biggest challenges with these vehicles is keeping warm during the colder months. Enter the electric car heater! This unsung hero may not be as glamorous as the EV battery or electric motor. Still, it plays a crucial role in making the electric car ownership experience comfortable and enjoyable all year round. Our website visitors are way more interested in EV subscription than non-electric cars, so we decided to research this and write this detailed guide!
In this article, we'll take a closer look at how the heaters in EVs work, their benefits and limitations, and how manufacturers work to overcome some of the more pressing challenges. So, let's dive in and get toasty!
There are a few options available for keeping warm in an EV. The two most common electric car heaters are resistive and heat pumps. Resistive heaters are being phased out, and most early EVs were equipped with them, but we'll explain how they work anyway!
Resistive heaters are similar to the ones you might find in a traditional non-EV car. In simple terms, an engine creates heat by operating. That heat is then used to warm up the car. However, due to the nature of electric vehicles, they are highly efficient and produce little heat, so they are less efficient than heat pumps.
The main advantage of a resistive heater is its simple design, low manufacturing cost and easier maintenance. However, it is less energy efficient than a heat pump, as it converts around 60-70% of the electrical energy into heat, while the rest is wasted as heat loss.
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The first generation of the Nissan Leaf (released in ) had a resistive heater. Heat pumps were relatively undeveloped technology then, so newer models have switched and completely dropped their use.
Source: Hyundai and KiaOn the other hand, a heat pump works by warming up the outside air and transferring it into the car's cabin. This type of heater is more energy efficient, with a coefficient of performance (COP) of around 2-3, meaning it can transfer 2-3 units of heat for every unit of electrical energy it consumes.
However, it can be more complex and costly to manufacture, requiring additional components such as a compressor, evaporator, and condenser. This also means more things can break. But think of it like a reverse air conditioner for your car!
Having said that, when the team looked into some of the newer EVs, we found that some come equipped with both a resistive heater and a heat pump. When it goes very cold, think -10C, the heat pumps may struggle a little bit, so the resistive heater can help keep you warm when behind the wheel!
Looking for a new EV and want one with a heat pump as standard? You should check out the following models:
When it comes to electric car heaters, there are certainly some advantages that make them worth considering. Let's take a look at a few of the key benefits.
First and foremost, they are are far more energy efficient than traditional cars with an internal combustion engine (ICE). As we've discussed earlier, resistive heaters convert around 60-70% of the electrical energy into heat, while heat pumps have a coefficient of performance (COP) of around 2-3. This means that, compared to ICE car heaters, EV heaters are more efficient in energy utilisation.
Source: Hyundai and KiaAnother advantage of these heaters is that they can help save you money in the long run. Because the car's battery powers them, you won't have to worry about buying and paying for fuel to keep your vehicle warm. Plus, since electric cars are cheaper to operate, you'll save money in more ways than one.
In some electric cars, the heater can be used to preheat the cabin while the car is still plugged in and charging, which can help to conserve battery power for driving. And you can do that remotely! Now that's handy! This is especially useful when driving in winter (see our latest tips!)
Finally, they can help improve the overall driving experience. With non-EVs, you have to wait for the engine to warm up before you can start enjoying a comfortable cabin temperature. But with an electric car, the heater can be turned on as soon as you get into the car so that you can enjoy a warm and comfortable cabin right away. In addition, electric car heaters are typically quieter, which can improve the overall driving experience.
As with any technology, electric car heaters have a few challenges and limitations. While these may seem like a hindrance, it's important to keep in mind that manufacturers are actively working to overcome these obstacles.
One of the biggest challenges is their impact on the car's range. When the heater is turned on, it can significantly reduce the car's range, as it consumes a lot of energy. This can be particularly problematic in colder climates where the heater is used frequently.
However, manufacturers are working on mitigating this issue, such as using regenerative braking to top up the battery while driving or developing more energy-efficient heaters.
Another challenge is the cost of the heat pump, which is relatively higher than a resistive heater. This makes it difficult for some manufacturers to include it as standard equipment in their cars. However, as the technology matures and economies of scale come into play, the cost is expected to come down.
At the time of writing, we could find heat pumps as optional add-ons on more premium trim levels. So be prepared to fork out anything between £600 and £1,200 for the privilege! Luckily most of the UK doesn't get as cold as North America, but it may be worth it if you live in Scotland.
What do people say about these heaters?
My dad's flight was delayed' '' but no biggie we just watched TV in the car while we waited. Heat pump keeping us warm '' Can any other car brand do this? pic.twitter.com/D4AvyKuiEI
' Tailosive EV (@TailosiveEV) December 17,
Like we mentioned above, heat pumps are a bit more complex and perhaps may be harder to fix, so there are few things one can do to make sure problems are avoided:
To sum up, electric car heaters are essential to the electric car ownership experience, especially for those living in colder climates. They provide a comfortable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective way to keep warm during the colder months.
If you are thinking of switching to an EV, check some of the best electric cars you can subscribe to (without the long-term commitment). Or search for available vehicles today!
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit How Does a Electric Car Heater Work.