Heat and cold effects on EV

There are more than a couple of problems with the referenced "study" by an auto insurance company:

1. The test was for 10 miles. How do you extrapolate "range" with a 10 mile test - too many variables.
2. There is no side by side test with other BEVs, hybrids, or ICEVs. How would they fare under exactly the same conditions?
3. There was no recording of what HVAC settings were used in the "study." HVAC uses a lot of energy in every vehicle and will affect range regardless of motor/engine propulsion type.
4. AAA is an identified troll for BEVs. The insurance company doesn't like them for unknown reasons.
5. My PIP has a greater range loss (when on battery) ~ 33% this winter than my Tesla ~ 5% (in a mild winter area).

It is possible to put together an out-of-context "study" to justify preconceived conclusions. Here is another "serious study with attention to detail" about ICEVs in winter conditions (shows up to 50% loss of range) by an equally (If not more so) reputable organization - Scientific American, yet it does not get widely reported in the news media or on the Internet.

Why is the fuel economy of an automobile worse in the winter than in the summer? - Scientific American

 

as batteries become cheaper, and more compact, it won't matter anyways

 

It will matter to legacy auto makers who pin their future on the ICE.

 

that's just about everyone, governments will bail them out

 

I am not keen on the scientific accuracy of this study. Also the tone of it, for a widely published article is not good news. Regardless, it has some value. Namely; plan your trip according to the weather. This really makes sense to all cars, not just EVs.

1. The main concern is safety - do not freeze in the winter! This can happen easier in an EV!
2. The article's focus on increased cost and loss of MPGe is a total joke. i.e. The BOLT is rated at 119MPGe, the questionable 41% drop is still 70MPGe. Can't think of any gas, or even oil burner with 70MPG. Can anyone?
3. EVs are well known as cheap to fuel. The supposed $24.27 over 1000 miles is peanuts. Also ICE powered cars will also use more fuel in the said conditions. Compared to what ICE drivers spend on fuel over 1000 miles the $24.74 is a joke.

 

During the first 4 weeks I drove my Tesla for 1600 miles. It cost me less than $14 during that period while charging at home. It would have cost me around $125 for gasoline in my PIP for that distance plus a lot of wasted time and freezing while pumping gas. (I keep records)

I use the HVAC set at 70F with seat heaters on in my Tesla. Nobody is going to freeze regardless of what the ambient temperature is.

 

i drove to florida

 

I still rather drive electric.

 

If you end up stranded in the middle of a snow storm, freezing is a real threat in any car.

 

You can't blame someones lack of planning or lack of good judgement on the car.

 

True, but sometimes it can't be helped. Like when the weather or traffic is the reason for the stranding. ICE cars also get caught in it, and while they provide heat for longer, CO poisoning could be a concern.

 

Lack of planning isn't the only reason for getting stranded. I've now encountered four times in my life where the interstate was closed due to accident (3 times) or forest fire (1 time) and had to turn around and go back. One of those times it was 10 degrees F and the diversion was 90 extra miles and 4 extra hours.

 

Most recent data for my Prime:

 

Three data points from my Prime:

Getting to work in the summer usually leaves me with a remaining batter percentage of 45% give or take about 3% depending on red lights.

Today it was 20F and my car had been in my insulated garage all night at around 46F. Remaining battery percentage when I got to work was 30%.

Last week it was 20F but snowing and there was some snow on the ground when I went to work. Remaining battery percentage when I got to work was 12%.

 

What is your preferred temperature setting for the heater?

 

68F

 

Of course, lack of planning is not the only reason, but it is by far the most common reason. You miss the point, there are always edge cases that can be cited, but they are not common.

 

Doesn't matter. The vehicle has to be able to handle those edge cases or people may die. Being stranded in the middle of the night on a side-road at 10°F because my car ran out of energy due to a diversion caused by an accident is not acceptable, even once, and it's happened to me three times. All three times I was fine because my car didn't run out of energy.