EV batteries lose up to a third of their range in cold weather and take longer to charge

[Carolinian]

Cold weather can cut an electric car's range by a THIRD, says study

If you're thinking about buying an electric car, you need to know that they do not like Britain's chilly winters and when temperatures drop they will not perform to the levels quoted.

www.thisismoney.co.uk

 

[Passepartout]

This is no surprise to EV owners. It's only a revelation to those contemplating a new purchase.

Related issue: How many ICE users contemplate that the same effect is known on ICE vehicles. Higher rolling resistance, time spent 'warming up' the ICE vehicle, discomfort of the cold seats, steering wheel, time spent scraping ice off windows all contribute to lower MPG in cold weather. Most EVs can be set- either on the screen, or by the app on your phone to turn on the climate control and/or warm the seats while it's plugged in, thereby not using 'motive' electrons for creature comfort until you're actually driving it.

Just like the MPG stated on the window sticker on your last gas guzzler may be more- or less (usually less) than you actually achieve, your EV's 'mileage may vary'

For the 90% of EV users who simply plug the car in at night in their garage, it matters little.

Jim

 

[RX8]

The average person drives anywhere from 12K to 15K per year. That comes out to an average of 41 miles per day using the higher end of 15K. For those using the EV as a local commuter, like I do, that is plenty even if the cold weather sapped 80% of the range. For me at least, it also evens out over the course of a full year as I get significantly more range in the summer than I would normally expect.

If you are towing or take many long distance trips and live in a cold weather state then an EV may not be for you. If you are like a majority of people who use the car for local trips around town, to and from work, taxi the kids around, and can charge up at home at night, then an EV is perfect for that.

 

[PigsDad]

This is no surprise to EV owners. It's only a revelation to those contemplating a new purchase.

Related issue: How many ICE users contemplate that the same effect is known on ICE vehicles. Higher rolling resistance, time spent 'warming up' the ICE vehicle, discomfort of the cold seats, steering wheel, time spent scraping ice off windows all contribute to lower MPG in cold weather. Most EVs can be set- either on the screen, or by the app on your phone to turn on the climate control and/or warm the seats while it's plugged in, thereby not using 'motive' electrons for creature comfort until you're actually driving it.

Just like the MPG stated on the window sticker on your last gas guzzler may be more- or less (usually less) than you actually achieve, your EV's 'mileage may vary'

For the 90% of EV users who simply plug the car in at night in their garage, it matters little.

Jim

You forgot to add that the ethanol blends that are required in many areas in the winter can also cut the fuel efficiency of ICE vehicles by 15% or more.

Kurt

 

[DrQ]

You forgot to add that the ethanol blends that are required in many areas in the winter can also cut the fuel efficiency of ICE vehicles by 15% or more.

Kurt

That ethanol also contributes to the Gulf of Mexico dead zone due to corn production:

Gulf Dead Zone​

The dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico is indicated in red, above. The so-called Gulf Dead Zone is a region of the ocean where there is so little oxygen that almost no life exists beneath the surface waters. In 2010, the Gulf Dead Zone was about 20,140 square kilometers (7,776 square miles).​

Dead Zone

Dead zones are low-oxygen, or hypoxic, areas in the world’s oceans and lakes. Because most organisms need oxygen to live, few organisms can survive in hypoxic conditions.

education.nationalgeographic.org

 

[buzglyd]

You forgot to add that the ethanol blends that are required in many areas in the winter can also cut the fuel efficiency of ICE vehicles by 15% or more.

Kurt

Ethanol is horrible and has no value as a “green” fuel and we’re stuck with it because congress never reverses stupid laws.

I once had a Ducati motorcycle with a plastic fuel tank. The tank would swell so much that it would get loose on the frame. After several replacements theh dealer, they determined it was the ethanol in US fuel (Europe doesn’t have ethanol) that was causing the swelling. Crazy. Boaters hate it too. In Florida you can buy ethanol free fuel but not here in California.

 

[Superchief]

Ethanol is horrible and has no value as a “green” fuel and we’re stuck with it because congress never reverses stupid laws.

I once had a Ducati motorcycle with a plastic fuel tank. The tank would swell so much that it would get loose on the frame. After several replacements theh dealer, they determined it was the ethanol in US fuel (Europe doesn’t have ethanol) that was causing the swelling. Crazy. Boaters hate it too. In Florida you can buy ethanol free fuel but not here in California.

Ethanol production requirements also contribute to higher food prices. Even in low corn production years, a percentage of the corn must be used for ethanol, thus making it more expensive to feed livestock. It is time for the fed to eliminate ethanol fuel requirements since it has negative consequences without any benefit.

Regarding ICE fuel usage, I monitor my fuel mileage and I get the same MPG's in winter as I do in summer, so I don't see any negative impact except when stuck in traffic due to hazardous road conditions.

 

[emeryjre]

Real world report on cold weather and the Ford F150 EV

Frozen: Sorting F-150 Lightning cold-weather fact from fiction

Are EVs useless in the extreme cold? I took on subzero Minnesota weather in a Ford F-150 Lightning to separate fact from fiction.

www.greencarreports.com

 

[Passepartout]

Real world report on cold weather and the Ford F150 EV

Frozen: Sorting F-150 Lightning cold-weather fact from fiction

Are EVs useless in the extreme cold? I took on subzero Minnesota weather in a Ford F-150 Lightning to separate fact from fiction.

www.greencarreports.com

Good, real world test in -20 degree cold.

 

[buzglyd]

Ethanol production requirements also contribute to higher food prices. Even in low corn production years, a percentage of the corn must be used for ethanol, thus making it more expensive to feed livestock. It is time for the fed to eliminate ethanol fuel requirements since it has negative consequences without any benefit.

Regarding ICE fuel usage, I monitor my fuel mileage and I get the same MPG's in winter as I do in summer, so I don't see any negative impact except when stuck in traffic due to hazardous road conditions.

Big Agriculture pays too many politicians to keep the scam going and since corn is grown in Iowa (an important state in the presidential primary) we’re stuck with it forever. Laws are never reversed in DC. Only added to.