Do electric vehicles have good heaters?

Electric cars have come a long way in recent years, offering a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to traditional petrol or diesel-powered vehicles.

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But, as many electric car owners will attest, one of their biggest challenges is staying warm during colder months. That's where the electric car heater steps in. Although not as celebrated as an EV's battery or motor, it’s crucial in providing year-round comfort for electric vehicle owners. Our website visitors show a strong preference for EVs, so we’ve researched this topic thoroughly to present you with a detailed guide.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at how the heaters in EVs work, their benefits and limitations, and how manufacturers work to overcome some of the more pressing challenges. Let’s dive in!

Understanding Electric Car Heaters

There are a few options available for warming up an EV. The two most common electric car heaters are resistive heaters and heat pumps. Resistive heaters, although gradually being phased out, were installed in most early EVs and deserve a mention.

Resistive heaters function similarly to heaters in traditional cars with internal combustion engines. These vehicles generate heat as a byproduct of engine operations, which is then used to keep the car warm. However, electric cars are more efficient and produce minimal excess heat, making resistive heaters less efficient compared to heat pumps.

The advantage of resistive heaters lies in their simple design, lower manufacturing costs, and easier maintenance. However, they are less energy-efficient, converting only about 60-70% of electrical energy into heat, with the rest lost as heat.

The first generation of the Nissan Leaf, released in 2010, featured a resistive heater, but the technology has since evolved, with newer models adopting heat pumps for improved efficiency.

On the other hand, heat pumps operate by drawing in outside air and transferring it into the car’s cabin. They are significantly more energy-efficient, with a coefficient of performance (COP) of around 2-3, meaning they can transfer 2-3 units of heat per unit of electrical energy consumed.

Although heat pumps are more complex and expensive to manufacture due to the added components like compressors, evaporators, and condensers, they are the more efficient heating option for modern EVs. Think of a heat pump as a reverse air conditioner for your car!

Interestingly, some newer EV models are equipped with both resistive heaters and heat pumps. In extremely cold conditions (around -10°C), heat pumps might struggle, and the resistive heater can assist to ensure warmth while driving.

If you're considering a new EV equipped with a heat pump, here are some models to check out:

Advantages of EV Heaters

Electric car heaters come with several advantages worth considering. One of the primary benefits is their energy efficiency compared to traditional cars with internal combustion engines (ICEs). Resistive heaters in EVs convert 60-70% of electrical energy into heat, while heat pumps have a COP of around 2-3. This makes EV heaters more efficient in energy utilization.

Another advantage is cost savings. Electric car heaters are powered by the vehicle's battery, eliminating the need to purchase fuel for heating. Additionally, since electric cars are cheaper to operate, the cost savings extend beyond just fuel.

In some electric cars, the heater can preheat the cabin while the car is still plugged in and charging, conserving battery power for driving. Moreover, this feature can be activated remotely, making it incredibly convenient, especially in winter.

Lastly, electric car heaters improve the overall driving experience. Unlike ICE vehicles, where you must wait for the engine to warm up for a comfortable cabin temperature, electric car heaters can be turned on immediately upon entering the car. Additionally, they’re typically quieter, enhancing the driving experience.

Challenges and Limitations

Electric car heaters are not without challenges and limitations. One of the most significant challenges is their impact on the car’s range. Heaters consume substantial energy, which can significantly reduce the car’s range, especially in colder climates.

Manufacturers are addressing this issue by incorporating features like regenerative braking to replenish the battery or developing more energy-efficient heaters.

Another challenge is the higher cost of heat pumps compared to resistive heaters. This cost barrier makes it difficult for some manufacturers to include heat pumps as standard equipment. However, as technology advances and economies of scale come into play, costs are expected to decrease.

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Currently, heat pumps are often available as optional upgrades on premium trim levels, costing between £600 and £1,200. While the UK’s milder climate may not necessitate a heat pump, it's worth considering if you live in colder regions like Scotland.

Real-life experiences with electric car heaters:

My dad’s flight was delayed… ✈️ but no biggie, we just watched TV in the car while we waited. Heat pump keeping us warm ☺️ Can any other car brand do this? pic.twitter.com/D4AvyKuiEI

— Tailosive EV (@TailosiveEV) December 17, 2022

Tips to Prolong the Life of an EV Heater

Maintaining an EV’s heating system is crucial for longevity and efficiency. Here are some tips to prolong its life:

• Turn off the heating when not needed to reduce wear and tear.
• Regularly check and service your electric vehicle's heating system to ensure optimal performance.
• Use your car app to remotely schedule the heating to have better control over its usage.
• Where possible, keep the car in a garage or covered area to avoid extreme temperatures.
• Avoid prolonged use of the heater at high settings to prevent overheating and potential damage.

Conclusion

To sum up, electric car heaters are indispensable for electric vehicle ownership, particularly in colder climates. They offer a comfortable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective way to stay warm during winter.

If you’re considering switching to an EV, explore some of the best electric cars available for subscription, avoiding long-term commitments. Search for available vehicles today!

Why Do Electric Cars Have Less Range in Winter?

The cold winter months affect all vehicles, whether electric or gas-powered. However, electric cars often face range issues during winter.

Learn what may be decreasing your electric car range in winter and what you can do to help.

How Does Cold Weather Affect Electric Vehicles?

Your EV's battery relies on chemical reactions to store and release power. Colder temperatures can slow these reactions, making the battery less efficient.

EV batteries, or high-voltage battery packs, need to maintain optimal temperatures to function efficiently. Most EVs have systems to heat and cool the battery to ensure this. However, freezing weather slows down battery chemistry, requiring more energy from the battery pack to maintain its temperature. This can be achieved using cabin air, heating grids, or integrated heating elements in the battery's liquid cooling system.

In short, your EV’s battery has to work harder to power the vehicle and keep it warm in cold weather, impacting its range, especially in sub-zero temperatures. Cranking up the cabin heat can also affect the range.

Can Running the Heat Cause My EV's Range to Drop in Winter?

Yes, running the heater can decrease range during winter, particularly if it relies on energy from the high-voltage battery pack.

Gas-powered vehicles use a combustion process to generate heat, often considered waste heat. In winter, this waste heat is redirected to warm the cabin, consuming less fuel for heating.

In contrast, electric vehicles lack a combustion engine to generate heat, requiring an auxiliary source like a resistive heating system, which demands battery power. Some EVs use heat pumps to redirect heat into the cabin, providing resistive heating when the heat pump is less efficient. While heat pumps use less battery power than resistive heating, they still consume significant energy, affecting the range.

Are Electric Vehicles Worth It During Winter?

Concerns about decreased range in winter may lead you to question the worth of owning an EV, especially in consistently cold climates.

If you live in an area where temperatures frequently dip below freezing, and you are considering an EV, opt for the most efficient option with the highest range at full charge. This might mean avoiding larger body types, extra cargo space, third-row seating, or any upgrades that can deplete the battery faster.

To mitigate range issues, ensure your vehicle is garage-parked overnight, fully charged, and the battery pack is at an optimal temperature before traveling. Warming the battery pack and cabin requires more energy than maintaining it.

Despite potential range decreases in winter, EVs are an excellent option for short trips and saving money at the pump.

Get Your EV Ready for Winter at Firestone Complete Auto Care

Keeping your EV well-maintained can help you stay prepared for colder winter months. Firestone Complete Auto Care offers EV and hybrid vehicle services, including general maintenance, scheduled maintenance, and high-voltage system diagnostics and repairs. Additionally, equipping your EV with Firestone Winterforce tires can enhance traction and performance during winter.

Contact your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care today to ensure high-voltage system repairs are available in your area.

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