One of the main concerns for electric car drivers is reduced range during winter. Low temperatures negatively affect battery performance and, above all, heating the passenger compartment consumes a lot of energy.
The solution comes fromheat pump technology, an innovative system that can recover up to12-15% of the autonomy lostin moderate cold conditions compared to traditional electric heating systems.
Why range decreases in winter
During the cold season, the range of electric vehicles can be reduced by20-41%compared to optimal conditions. Tests conducted by theAAA (American Automobile Association)have shown that at -7°C with the heating on, the loss of range reaches41%, while the battery temperature alone causes a12% reduction.
There are three main reasons:
Battery performance:Lithium-ion cells lose efficiency at low temperatures, reducing usable capacity and increasing internal resistance. This chemical phenomenon slows down the electrochemical reactions inside the cells.
Heating the passenger compartment:unlike thermal vehicles, which use waste heat from the engine, electric cars use electric resistors (PTC heaters) to heat the passenger compartment. These systems consume between1.5 and 3 kWunder normal conditions, representing the main cause of range loss.
Greater aerodynamic drag:cold air is denser, slightly increasing rolling resistance and aerodynamic drag, but with a marginal impact compared to the first two factors.
What is a heat pump and how does it work?
A heat pump is a device thattransfers heatfrom a cold source to a hot one, rather than generating it directly. It works on the same principle as domestic air conditioners or refrigerators, but in reverse: it draws heat from the outside environment (even when it is cold) and transfers it inside the passenger compartment.
The process is based onthe thermodynamic cycleof a refrigerant fluid which, through compression and expansion phases, absorbs heat from the outside and releases it inside. This system is much more efficient because it does not "create" heat by consuming electricity, but "moves" it from one place to another, consuming much less energy.
Heat pumps in electric cars also useresidual heatproduced by the electric motor, inverter, and battery itself, further optimizing the efficiency of the system.
Concrete advantages: how much autonomy do you gain?
Heat pumps have acoefficient of performance (COP)that varies between2 and 3in typical winter conditions (temperatures between 0°C and 10°C). This means that for every kilowatt of electricity consumed, the pump generates 2 to 3 kW of heat, making it 2-3 times more efficient than traditional electric heating elements.
Scientific tests conducted on a dynamometer have measured concrete advantages:
- At 0°C in urban cycle (UDDS):15% increase in range
- At 0°C in highway cycle (HWFET):10% increase
- At 0°C in aggressive cycle (US06):7% increase
Large-scale studies conducted by Recurrent Auto on thousands of real vehicles confirm that cars with heat pumps maintain approximately83% of their rangein winter, compared to75%for vehicles without heat pumps, representing a net advantageof 8%.
A practical example: if a car with a summer range of 400 km drops to 280 km in winter with electrical resistance (30% loss), with a heat pump it can maintain around310-320 kmin the same conditions. This makes the heat pump a key component for those who use electric cars on a daily basis or travel long distances.
Limits and critical temperatures
Heat pumps have an operating limit: when outdoor temperatures fall below-10°C, efficiency gradually decreases because there is less heat available in the environment. At temperatures below-15°C, the system automatically integrates traditional electric resistors to ensure the heating of the passenger compartment.
However, these extreme temperatures are rare in most Italian regions. In northern countries, car manufacturers are developing new-generation heat pumps that work effectively even at-25°C, making greater use of the residual heat from the electric motor, inverter, and battery itself through integrated cooling circuits.
Which electric cars have heat pumps?
Not all electric cars come with a heat pump as standard. Some manufacturers offer it as an option, while others only include it on top-of-the-range models:
- Tesla Model Y and Model 3(2021 versions): standard heat pump
- Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4:available as an option or as standard depending on the version
- Audi e-tron:heat pump as standard
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6:available as an option
- BMW iX and i4:heat pump as standard in premium models
- Nissan Ariya:standard heat pump
- Mercedes EQS and EQE:heat pump as standard
Before purchasing an electric car, check whether a heat pump is included or available as an option, especially if you live in areas with harsh winters or drive long distances every day.
Tips for optimizing winter range
In addition to heat pumps, there are other effective strategies for maximizing energy independence in winter:
- Programmed preheating:many electric cars allow you to heat the passenger compartment while they are connected to the wallbox, using energy from the grid instead of the battery.
- Heated seats and steering wheel:they consume only 50-100W each, much less than the 1.5-3 kW used to heat the passenger compartment.
- Eco mode:limits heating and acceleration power, optimizing overall energy efficiency
- Indoor parking:reduces thermal shock on the battery and decreases the initial heating requirement
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FAQ: Frequently asked questions about heat pumps for electric cars
Does the heat pump also work for summer air conditioning?
Yes, the heat pump is a reversible system that works both for heating in winter and cooling in summer. During the hot season, it reverses the thermodynamic cycle and draws heat from the passenger compartment, transferring it outside, functioning like a traditional air conditioner but with greater energy efficiency.
At what outdoor temperature does the heat pump stop working?
Most heat pumps begin to lose efficiency below -10°C. At these temperatures, the system automatically integrates traditional electric resistors to ensure heating. The new generation of heat pumps, found on more recent models, can operate effectively at even lower temperatures by utilizing the residual heat from the vehicle's electrical components.
If I have already purchased an electric car without a heat pump, can I install one later?
Generally no, the heat pump cannot be installed as an aftermarket accessory. It is a system that is deeply integrated into the vehicle's thermal circuit, requiring complex structural modifications including a completely new cooling system. It is therefore important to consider this feature at the time of purchase, especially if you live in areas with cold winters.
Does the heat pump require special maintenance?
No, the heat pump is a sealed system integrated into the vehicle that does not require any specific maintenance other than the routine maintenance of the electric car. During periodic servicing, the technician will check that the entire air conditioning system is working properly, including the heat pump. No specific work is required unless there is a malfunction, which is covered by the vehicle warranty.
About Powy
Powy a company that owns, develops, and manages Italy's leading independent network of public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.
Founded in Turin, Italy in 2018, Powy is at the center of the transition to more sustainable mobility, offering an innovative charging infrastructure that uses only 100 percent renewable energy.
Powy 's network includes quick, fast, and ultra-fast charging solutions strategically placed in public and private parking lots, supermarkets, shopping malls, and transportation hubs to ensure maximum convenience and accessibility for EV drivers. Each station is equipped with advanced technologies to provide a reliable and efficient charging experience.
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