How can cold weather affect the range of an electric car? Here is a study that puts figures to the case raised.
Since the first electric cars arrived on the market, it has been possible to verify how many variables are those that can have an impact when determining a specific autonomy. In fact, it is possible that in a complete charge cycle one measurement is observed and, on another occasion, have a more or less positive record. It is true that manufacturers can influence those aspects that they can manage internally, but there are others that are beyond their control.
In relation to the former, the brands are continuously working to achieve important advances in the matter. In the end, each extra kilometer that can be covered with a single charge will have a direct bearing on your business success. Now, how can those variables that are related to the environment influence? The weather is one of the phenomena that can have the greatest impact when it comes to having a greater or lesser mileage to be carried out.
Batteries are known to offer higher performance in temperate climates. Summer temperatures will always be more favorable for battery packs. circle to a temperature between 30 and 40 degrees Celsius is synonymous with extending the autonomy of the electric car. Now, what would be the difference with respect to adverse weather? Electric technology focused on the automotive industry does not like the cold and, as a consequence, autonomy is impaired.
In this context, to what extent does it have an impact on the final figures? A study carried out by the magazine Autocar wanted to demonstrate with data what a comparison between temperate and cold environments translates into. The consequences, as you can imagine, are palpable from minute one. Electricity demands are higher in a cold climate, mainly due to the need for preheating the batteries. This is a phenomenon related to the lithium ion.
Let’s see, therefore, what impact it has on specific models, why it is essential to take these types of variables into account when determining if an electric car suits us and, of course, what are the keys to understanding the future of the sector depending on the area in question.
The electric car and its problems with cold climates
Autocar has worked with 4 certain electric models; Porsche Taycan 4S, Ford Mustang Mach-E Extended Range RWD, Skoda Enyaq iV 60 and Icon Fiat 500 42kWh. The first thing to note is that all models, regardless of price and range, have suffered a depreciation in terms of autonomy when exposed to cold. This is the best example to explain to what extent we are faced with an effect that will affect all available options.
Well, what are the results? putting aside the differences present in terms of disparate autonomies, the truth is that the one that has suffered a greater loss has been the model that came from Stuttgart. The Porsche Panamera, after carrying out the study, has been able to verify how it has lost up to 20.10% of its mileage cycle. Well, what does this record translate into? Nothing more and nothing less than 91 kilometers are the ones that will be given up due to cold weather, according to InsideEV’s.
This is a remarkable loss considering that we are facing a product with a cycle close to 450 kilometers under normal conditions. Now, which of the previous models is the one that suffered a less notable drop in performance? Without a doubt, the Icon Fiat 500 with a 42kWh battery lost around 15.20%. The total loss translates to a total of 35 total kilometers. It is, therefore, a quite acceptable drop in autonomy.
Yield losses hindering your business success in many countries
Theoretically, this type of study should forecast a drop in sales in many geographic areas in which the cold reigns in practically the entire year. However, what happened in countries like Norway perfectly explains how users assume a loss of qualities in order to reduce their exposure to oil. In this sense, the technology based on lithium ion batteries seems to have discounted this reduction in performance due to its many other benefits.
Keep in mind that there are several factors that can clearly affect battery optimization. The incorporation of heat pumps for the passenger compartment can make a notable difference, with yields of up to 10%. In this sense, those manufacturers that have worked on the incorporation of this type of technology can enjoy an improvement in this type of parameter. Now, will it be enough to guarantee your success?
The next few months seem fundamental when it comes to measurement. After all, a barrage of presentations is expected from the vast majority of manufacturers. Will it be possible to reduce the difference that can affect performance in adverse weather conditions by up to 20%? This is, without a doubt, one of the litmus tests that will have to be dealt with in the future.
Related topics: Motor
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