I’ve always heard that EVs are not a great option if you live in really cold areas due to them not being very efficient in the cold. Why is that? And do gas powered vehicles have the same issue?
In: Engineering
Range is impacted as extremely cold batteries can’t output full power. Owners not expecting this will see summer range estimates of, let’s say 260mi fall to 200mi or less in the winter. This is largely expected due to battery chemistry. It’ll go back up when the season changes.
If you can charge at home, this can be largely mitigated by following “ABC” or “Always Be Charging/Connected”. Most EVs will maintain their battery temps automatically as needed. They can also be set to warm up prior to departure.
Cabin heat is the biggest use of energy outside motivation, but many EVs have heat pumps that will use significantly less energy (above like -20°) than resistive heaters.
Almost all EVs have heated seats, many with front and rear heated seats, and heated steering wheels to help offset heater usage.
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