How Electric Vehicles Perform in Winter: A Study by Recurrent
A comprehensive study by Recurrent has revealed that electric vehicles (EVs) like the Audi E-Tron, Nissan Leaf, and various Tesla models experience minimal range loss in cold weather, retaining on average 70.3% of their normal range during the 2022-2023 winter season.
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.
