Heating an electric car can reduce its range by as much as 40%, according to the information provided. Unlike a combustion engine, an electric motor produces too little excess heat to warm the cabin, so the heating system draws energy from the battery. Cold temperatures can also affect battery performance: lithium-ion batteries work best between 20 and 25°C, and efficiency falls below that range.
Experts from the US Department of Energy and the International Council on Clean Transportation recommend preconditioning the car while it is still plugged in. This can warm the battery and cabin without using the vehicle’s stored range. Parking in a garage or under cover can also help keep the battery’s temperature more stable overnight.
A heat pump can make cabin heating more efficient than electric resistance heating. Under normal use, it can reduce energy consumption by 10%, potentially adding 40 km of range. Heated seats and a heated steering wheel are another way to stay warm while using less energy than heating the entire cabin.
Drivers are also advised to keep the battery charge high during extreme cold and plan charging stops in advance. Low temperatures can slow fast charging or prevent it from reaching its rated power. Insulating materials, heated seats and window-defrosting systems can also help limit the area that needs to be warmed.
Sources: Motorpasión.