Although to an inexperienced driver an electric car may look similar to one with a heat engine, there are elements-visible and hidden-that differentiate them. One of these is the electric car heat pump, an increasingly popular component that can make a difference in efficiency and range.
In this article you will learn what the heat pump is in electric cars, how it works, and why it is a crucial element in improving your vehicle's performance.
What is heat pump in electric cars and why is it so important
The electric car heat pump is an integrated component in the air conditioning system that transfers heat instead of generating it, through a reversible refrigeration cycle based on the principles of thermodynamics.
⚠️ Not all electric cars are equipped with a heat pump, especially older or entry-level models. However, most new generation electric cars include it as standard or as an option, precisely because of the significant benefits it offers.
Its role is not just limited to heating or cooling the passenger compartment: it is critical to the thermal management of the battery, helping to optimize performance and increase the range of the electric vehicle.
During driving, for example, the heat pump can cool the battery to keep it at an ideal temperature, preventing overheating and improving overall system efficiency.
Main components of a heat pump
An electric car heat pump consists of several key elements:
- Refrigerant: fluid circulating in the system, absorbing and releasing heat by changing state.
- Compressor: increases refrigerant pressure and temperature, representing the heart of the system.
- Evaporator: exchanger where the refrigerant absorbs heat from outside and turns into gas.
- Condenser: here the coolant gives up heat to the passenger compartment or battery cooling system, returning to a liquid state.
How the heat pump works in an electric car
The electric car heat pump uses waste heat and outside air to heat the passenger compartment without using large amounts of electricity. This makes it an extremely efficient solution, especially in winter.
The cycle works like this:
- Heat extraction: even in cold conditions, the outside air contains heat energy that is absorbed by the coolant. Waste heat from the battery and electric motor can also be harnessed.
- Compression: the gaseous refrigerant is compressed, raising its temperature significantly.
- Heat release: hot gas passes through the condenser, releasing heat useful for heating the passenger compartment.
- Expansion and recycling: the refrigerant expands, reducing temperature and pressure, ready for a new cycle.
Why the heat pump is a competitive advantage for electric cars
Opting for anelectric car equipped with a heat pump means saving energy, increasing range, and protecting key vehicle components, such as the battery. A small technological detail that can make a big difference in everyday electric mobility.
Want to learn more about the technical aspects of electric cars and charging stations? Read here.
FAQ: What are electric car heat pumps?
Heat pumps are essential for improving energy efficiency, especially in the cold months. They use less energy than conventional systems to heat the passenger compartment, thus helping to increase the electric vehicle's range.
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.
Learn more: wpowy.energy