Overview of the Study
Recurrent, a battery health and data startup, analyzed over 10,000 EVs and 18 different models across the U.S. during the 2022-2023 winter.
The study focused on the impact of freezing temperatures on EV driving ranges, considering real-world factors such as climate, terrain, and driving patterns.
Understanding Range Loss in Cold Weather:
- EVs lose range in cold weather due to reduced efficiency in battery chemical and physical reactions.
- Cabin heating, which draws energy from the battery, further lowers the range.
- Many modern EVs now include heat pumps to recycle excess heat from batteries and motors, improving efficiency and minimizing range loss.
Model-Specific Findings:
- Audi E-Tron (2021-2022, rebadged as Q8 E-Tron in 2023): Exhibited the least range loss at 32°F (0°C), with only a 16% decrease from its normal range. This model benefits from an early adoption of heat pumps.
- 2019 Nissan Leaf: Lost 23% of its range at 32°F (0°C). Notably, older Leaf models with passive thermal management were more temperature-sensitive, but newer models with battery warmers perform better.
- Tesla Models (Model 3, Model Y, Model X): Each lost an average of 24% range in winter. Innovations in Tesla’s heat pump, including a "super manifold" and an "octo valve," along with battery preconditioning, contribute to this efficiency.
Sample Size and Reliability:
- The Tesla data is particularly notable, derived from a large sample of 4,375 Model Ys, 4,576 Model 3s, and 249 Model Xs.
Limitations
These findings are based on tests conducted at 32°F (0°C), and variations may occur in colder regions.
Conclusion: Recurrent's study highlights the effectiveness of modern EVs in maintaining their range during winter, with brands like Audi, Nissan, and Tesla leading in minimizing range loss.
Source: Recurrent