A cooling loop is used in most electric vehicles. Ethylene glycol is commonly used as a coolant in this loop. An electric pump circulates the coolant through the batteries and portions of the electronics. A radiator is included in this loop to release heat to the outside air.
Are there heaters and air conditioning in electric cars?
The heat from the coolant is used to heat the passenger compartment in vehicles with internal combustion engines. Air conditioning compressors and power steering pumps are also powered by the engine. Because an electric automobile has no engine, it relies only on the energy stored in its batteries for heating and cooling, as well as auxiliary systems such as power steering and brake boosters. The more efficient these technologies are, the greater the vehicle’s range.
To warm the passenger compartment, many electric cars use old-fashioned resistance heaters, which are the same technology used in electric baseboard heat in buildings. It works well, but it consumes a lot of electricity to do so. Heat pumps are used in other electric cars, which are more efficient but also more expensive. A motor still drives a rotating compressor in air conditioning.
A group of experts has received funds from the European Union to do research into more efficient climate control technologies. Horizon 2020 XERIC is the name of the project. This week, the researchers unveiled the invention of an entirely new technology that uses less energy to heat and cool than traditional systems. The fact that their new technology divides the process into three parts heating, cooling, and humidity management is a key aspect. After there, each of those components can be built to perform as efficiently as feasible.
“We demonstrated that, compared to present systems that rely on electric direct heating in the winter, the prototype can save more than 50% of the energy consumed for air heating, cooling, and dehumidification throughout the year.” Furthermore, under extreme summer conditions, it can save up to roughly 33% of the energy consumed for air conditioning and dehumidification,” explains project coordinator Gaeta Soccorso.
According to the Green Car Congress, the researchers developed a hybrid system that combines a liquid desiccant cycle for removing moisture from the air with a standard compressor for cooling. The researchers developed a three-fluid mixed membrane contactor to extract humidity. Because that’s a mouthful, it’s abbreviated as 3F-CMC. The membrane interface captures the humidity in the air, requiring very little power from the battery. The team created an electronic control system for the compressor that uses a variable frequency drive compressor and a brushless direct current motor that is up to 95% efficient.
Any form of transportation, including buses, trains, trucks, and boats, can use the XERIC system. It can even be utilized in automobiles with internal combustion engines to more efficiently offer climate-controlled air for passengers, saving fuel. The project could potentially lead to more efficient building climate control systems. Air conditioning is expected to require an increasing amount of available electrical energy as the planet heats.
The team already has functional prototypes available for potential clients to try out, and they’re looking at forming agreements with OEMs and tier one suppliers. As the electric vehicle revolution progresses, everything that helps improve the range of electric vehicles is excellent news.
How do electric vehicles get their heat?
It’s hard to think that such a wasteful method has become the norm for powering the world’s transportation sector, but there is some good news. Some of the waste heat from the coolant can be recovered and used to heat the interior of our vehicles. As great as electric vehicles are, they lack a source of waste heat that can be used for the same purpose, posing a problem: how to keep EV drivers and passengers warm when it’s chilly outdoors. How do you keep them cool when it’s sweltering outside, as a consequence to that?
An Electric School Bus In Alaska
According to Alaska Public Media, the state of Alaska has only one battery-electric school bus. It carries students from the Alaska Gateway School District, which includes the town of Tok, which is close to the Canadian border. Temperatures in the area might drop below -40 degrees Fahrenheit.
You might be wondering how well the bus’s batteries perform in such frigid temperatures. The bus has operated beautifully for the past year, according to Gerald Blackard, co-owner of Tok Transportation, even in the most extreme winter conditions. One problem is keeping the interior warm.
Blackard has discovered that heating the bus consumes more battery power than driving the 30 miles per day required to finish its route. “We got 38 below zero on January 27th,” he says. “On that particular day, the bus’s efficiency was 3.46 kilowatts per mile. In August and September of this year, we were averaging between 1.4 and 1.7 kilowatts per mile. We were still using more energy to heat the bus than we were to drive the bus, even with some insulation on the batteries and a kind of covering of the engine compartment to try to keep in as much heat as possible.”
Blackard says he’s been sharing information about the bus’s operation with the local utility, the University of Alaska Fairbanks Alaska Center for Energy and Power, battery manufacturer Proterra, and Thomas, the bus’s North Carolina builder. “I communicate with them frequently,” he says, “and they’re always interested in seeing how things are going and ensuring that everything is in working order.”
Tok Transportation charges the bus with a 10.8-kilowatt solar array, but because it consumes 22 kilowatts of power while charging, the solar panels must be supplemented with electricity from the local grid. When funds become available, a battery storage component will be added. The Alaska Energy Authority covered the majority of the $400,000 cost of the bus and solar system.
About Those Rivian Delivery Vans For Amazon
The pre-production Rivian delivery vans being manufactured for Amazon use up to 40% more battery power if the heating or cooling systems are turned on, according to a leaky test driver. The range of those vans is supposed to be between 125 and 150 miles. After subtracting 40%, their range is reduced to 75 to 90 miles.
The business confirmed the tests to Reuters, but emphasized that these pre-production models do not have the insulation that will be added in finished vehicles. That may be true, but it seems improbable that Rivian will add enough insulation to the vehicles as they leave the factory to make a meaningful difference.
Rivian is researching what EV drivers already know. When an electric car’s climate controls are turned on, less energy is available to propel it down the road. There’s a reason why, in the cold, Nissan LEAF drivers such as myself prefer to utilize the heated steering wheel and seat warmers over the heater.
The Takeaway
For almost a century, drivers have relied on the waste heat generated by their vehicles to keep warm during the winter. We never considered whether such garbage was helpful for the ecosystem. Obviously, it isn’t. The era of electric automobiles has here, and we no longer have access to a supply of waste heat.
When automotive air conditioning first became a thing, the compressors were so inefficient that they might reduce gas mileage by up to 20%. However, when gas prices rose, air conditioning systems got more efficient. The similar thing will happen with electric vehicle cabin heating. Tesla has been at the forefront of innovation as usual, with its Octovalve enabling a 10% boost in range for the Model Y.
Early electric vehicles employed resistance heating to warm the interior, which was similar to the technology used in electric space heaters in the 1960s. A coil of wire is heated by electricity, which heats and warms the air around it. It works, but the heat it generates consumes a lot of electricity. To put it another way, it’s inefficient, just like the internal combustion engines that electric vehicles are supposed to replace.
Tesla has been a pioneer in upgrading heat pump technology for its automobiles, to the point where it may enter the industry of producing heat pumps for homes and businesses. Tesla updated the Model Y’s heating and cooling systems to eliminate the inefficiencies of heating and cooling with electricity and maximize the efficiency of the vehicle’s thermal systems, according to Kyle Field.
The cooling circuit was incorporated into a single vehicle heating and cooling management system that optimizes thermal energy flow throughout the vehicle and merges the Octovalve with a totally redesigned heat pump.
In the end, since that it doesn’t have a ready supply of surplus heat to deal with, the transportation sector will need to discover new techniques to control the cabin temperature of vehicles. Tesla, fortunately, is blazing a path for others to follow.
What are the methods for heating and cooling a Tesla?
Instead of an electric resistance heating system, Tesla has installed a heat pump in the Model Y. A heat pump is a device that transfers heat from a heat source to a thermal reservoir. To put it another way, it functions in the opposite direction of an air conditioner. Heat is trapped inside an area using a refrigerant and then thrown outside in air conditioners. A heat pump operates in the same way, except there is a reverse valve that allows the hot air to return inside.
Is it possible to drive an electric car in subzero temperatures?
Many new automobile purchasers are learning about the advantages of buying a plug-in electric vehicle (EV), which include:
- Even after accounting for upstream emissions from electric power, they are cleaner than gasoline alternatives. and
- Purchase prices can be greatly reduced thanks to federal, state, and/or utility subsidies. They can save thousands of dollars throughout the life of a car by lowering fuel and maintenance costs.
We’re ardent EV enthusiasts here at Drive Electric Vermont because of these benefits, but it’s crucial to understand how cold temperatures might limit range in order to make an informed EV purchase. Additional information is provided below to assist you in selecting the proper EV model for your needs, understanding what choices improve cold-weather range, and optimal charging and driving techniques to get the most out of your EV investment.
Cold weather decreases the efficiency of all sorts of vehicles, not just electric vehicles. At 20 F, conventional gasoline vehicles typically lose 20% of their fuel economy, according to FuelEconomy.gov. It’s more visible with an EV, and it’s especially worrying for all-electric car drivers who need to know they’ll be able to get to their destinations.
In the winter, keeping the interior of the vehicle warm is frequently the biggest drain on EV range, especially when the outside temperature drops below 15 F. In addition, lithium ion batteries used in EVs perform poorly in low temperatures, resulting in further range decreases.
Thousands of EVs were studied in various situations by the team at fleet analytics business Geotab, who gathered precise data on predicted EV range reductions in cold temperatures. At -4 F, drivers of an average EV may see around half of the manufacturer’s advertised range, according to their research. However, depending on the model, model options, and how it is stored and operated, this might vary greatly. Users can examine the potential cold weather performance of individual models using their online EV temperature tool. The graph below shows the average EV range loss (or gain) over time in comparison to the manufacturer’s official stated range at various temperatures.
In the winter, how do electric automobiles perform?
With a plethora of electric vehicle styles and ranges to choose from, more Americans are considering getting one. Aside from range anxiety, one of the most common concerns is how an electric car will operate in high conditions. Should this worry deter a potential buyer from making the switch to an electric vehicle?
The impact on battery chemistry when parked and the drain to maintain battery temperature and deliver cabin heat are the main reasons driving range decreases in cold weather. According to testing by the Norwegian Automobile Federation, cold temperatures limit an unplugged EV’s range by around 20%, and recharging takes longer than in warm weather.
All sap range is used to run the cabin heater, seat heaters, defroster, and other equipment that counteract the cold inside the automobile. When it comes to cold temperatures, we’ve discovered that 20 F and below is when the range truly narrows. (Find out how to make the most of your car’s heater.)
In the snow, how do electric automobiles fare?
To begin with, many EVs have active thermal management, which means they are pre-heated before driving. As a result, it is necessary to defrost the windows ahead of time in order to ensure vision. The best part is that it can perform all of this while plugged in, saving you valuable battery life. Unlike gas-powered vehicles, no emissions are wasted while the vehicle heats up for an extended period of time. Additionally, certain models, such as Tesla’s, allow you to operate numerous interior features from your phone, allowing you to turn on the heat or do whatever else you want without having to get into the car.
Next, according to Automobile Leasing, the car can be locked at all times and the engine will not take long to warm up. Because the engine in gas vehicles is so cool, the heat won’t get warm for a few minutes; however, this is not the case with electric vehicles.
Finally, because EVs have no gears, pulling away slowly on snow or ice is simple. Electric and hybrid vehicles have big batteries, which make them hefty and appropriate for winter traction. Some hybrids even include traditional front-wheel drive and electric rear-wheel drive, making them great on slick conditions. This is why electric vehicles are suitable for use in the snow.
Are there cooling systems in electric cars?
The cooling system in an electric car regulates the temperature of the battery pack and part of the electronics. A cooling loop is used in most electric vehicles. Ethylene glycol is commonly used as a coolant in this loop. An electric pump circulates the coolant through the batteries and portions of the electronics.
Is it necessary to warm up electric vehicles?
Although electric automobiles do not require “warming up,” several experts recommend that you do it before putting the pedal to the metal. Electric car motors, like other autos, perform best when they are warm.
Is it true that electric cars get hot?
On very hot days, you could notice a car parked on the side of the road with the hood up and steam or smoke rising from the engine bay. In this scenario, the car overheated as a result of a combination of severe heat and a previously unresolved maintenance issue. If an issue isn’t addressed quickly, the car can overheat, resulting in catastrophic engine failure and costly repairs.
Can electric automobiles, on the other hand, overheat? Not in the same way that non-electric vehicles do, but regardless of the components that power their vehicles, motorists should always take precautions for heat management.
Overheated Vehicles, Internal Combustion Engine
Overheating is a problem with internal combustion engines (ICE), both gasoline and diesel. Temperature regulation is required in both types of engines, which is made possible by motor oil, which lubricates and cools the engine.
Oil, on the other hand, is only one component in the process of regulating engine temperature. Coolant, often known as anti-freeze, works by flowing liquid through the engine block’s different passageways. The coolant absorbs heat from the engine and dissipates it through the radiator system, which is powered by the water pump.
Cooling problems can be caused by a damaged water pump, insufficient coolant, cooling system leaks, a leaking radiator, a broken fan, a clogged heater core, a thermostat failure, blocked or split hoses, and broken belts. The majority of these concerns, but not all, are unique to ICE vehicles. It’s critical to practice routine vehicle maintenance and adhere to the owner’s manual’s maintenance requirements to avoid these problems.
Composition of Electric Vehicles
Pure electric vehicles (EVs) have one or more electric motors, unlike cars with engines. Hybrids aren’t included in this list because they still employ ICE systems and are prone to the same issues. All Tesla models, as well as the Nissan Leaf, GMC Hummer, Porsche Taycan, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Volkswagen ID.4 are among the expanding number of fully electric vehicles available.
One or more motors, a battery pack, a single-speed gearbox, a power electronics controller, a DC/DC converter, a 12-volt or 48-volt battery, and a thermal system for cooling are all found in electric cars. The last component is responsible for keeping the electric motor(s), power electronics, and other components at a consistent operating temperature. Electric drivetrains have fewer parts than internal combustion engines, but they still need to be cared for and maintained.
Can Electric Cars Overheat?
Electric vehicles can, in fact, overheat. When batteries deplete, they generate heat, which can be too much for the vehicle’s components in extreme temperatures.
Early modern vehicles, like as the Nissan Leaf, depended on passive or forced air cooling, but a series of battery fires with various designs shown that more complex cooling systems were superior at preventing fuel cell overheating. The phrase “The word “thermal management” is commonly used to describe EV cooling processes.
Liquid cooling is used in the majority of present and prospective designs, with water-glycol systems being particularly prevalent. This is a good example “The “indirect system” circulates coolant through a series of pipes to cool the battery in a manner similar to that of the engine.
Another new innovation is heat pumps. They are more efficient in heating and cooling the batteries, as well as redirecting heat to the cabin when it is needed. If the heat pump fails, the EV may shut down, thus always check the EV’s readouts to ensure that all systems are working properly.
Heat and Your EV
Even if your EV is properly cooled, high temperatures can have an impact on another aspect of performance: vehicle range. When the system temperature remains constant at a moderate 70 degrees Fahrenheit, the optimum range numbers are usually achieved.
Extreme heat or cold can shorten battery life and reduce range. When the battery is low and the vehicle isn’t plugged in, EV users should avoid severe temperatures, according to a University of Michigan investigation. Furthermore, parking in the shade on hot, sunny days reduces the amount of stress placed on the battery system, increasing its life.
NAPA Online has a wide selection of coolant and cooling system accessories, or visit one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare facilities for routine maintenance and repairs. Consult a trained specialist at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS shop for more information on vehicle heating and cooling.
In an electric vehicle, how does a heat pump work?
The solution: a high-pressure compressor compresses refrigerant in a highly efficient heat pump system. The heat generated is used to warm up chilly air that is moving through the system. The high-voltage heater consumes less energy from the battery, resulting in a longer range compared to electric vehicles without a heat pump.