The arrival of winter is usually accompanied by… Loss of autonomy in electric cars. An important factor, especially among shorter-range models whose reduction can be decisive. But this loss is not the same in models equipped with a heat pump air conditioning system as it is without it, the latest studies that crunch the numbers indicate.
As we remember, cold temporarily reduces the efficiency of the process inside the batteries, which is also added to it The greater consumption involved in having to heat the cabin. There are two factors that have allies such as the air conditioning system that will determine the efficiency of the system and therefore its autonomy.
Research has shown that low temperatures It can reduce the average driving distance of an electric vehicle by between 25 and 41%.. So, a car that can travel 160 kilometers on a charge in spring temperatures may see its numbers drop to just 95 or 120 kilometers when the thermometer drops below zero.
Data shows that there is a loss of independence during the winter, but according to experts from the consulting company Recurrent: “The concern about winter and reduced range, while not true, is just a bit exaggerated“.
Electric cars aren’t the only ones with performance issues in extremely cold conditions. Conventional gasoline models lose between 10 and 20% of their autonomy when the temperature drops below 25 degrees Celsius.
Most electric models should handle low temperatures well. But experts warn against this Drivers should take certain steps to make sure their trip goes as smoothly as possiblesuch as pre-conditioning batteries before charging, a setting found on most modern electric models that warms the battery to the ideal temperature, allowing for faster charging. But not everyone has it.
Recurrent also analyzes electric models each year to see how cold weather affects their range, which may help buyers choose the model that best suits their needs.
Heat pump effect
This year, the organization examined 13 of the most popular sales models in the United States, analyzing real-world driving data from more than 10,000 vehicles. The result is this These models lost an average of 21% of their autonomy when temperatures dropped to zero. But the loss varied greatly by model and year.
from the list, Tesla Model The smallest loss of independence was 11%, while it was The Volkswagen ID.4 received the highest scoreby 37%. It was the most important factor, according to the study If the car is equipped with a heat pumpIt is more efficient than traditional heating systems and thus reduces overall energy use.
Studies show that the energy needed to heat a vehicle’s cabin is one of the main causes of range loss.
Electric models without a heat pump, including the ID.4, They experienced a decrease in their average independence of about 28%Compared to an average of 13% for cars equipped with a heat pump.
According to Recurrent, cars manufactured from 2020 onwards are more likely to have heat pumps installed than older models.
“Many manufacturers have incorporated heat pumps because they realized how important they are for people living in cold climates. So here’s my first tip: do a little research into the car’s technology, because it can make a 10-15% difference in the overall range.“.
the Download speed This may be another factor that potential EV buyers may want to consider. Newer models can charge faster than older models, Garberson said.
The 2021 Hyundai Kona may need between 30 to 40 minutes to complete the process from 20 to 80%. For its part, a more modern model, such as the Hyundai IONIQ 5, can reduce the process to just 12 to 14 minutes.
For those responsible for the study, the most important thing to consider is driving habits. Most drivers won’t even notice when their electric car loses range during the winter, while others will feel it more acutely.
(tags for translation) FCE
