Wiktor Wise
Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, and with good reason: their batteries are now very advanced, and manufacturers are investing heavily in even better technology. However, knowing how to isolate a vehicle electric drain is important in case of emergencies. The drivetrain is the most significant drain on the battery, but heating and cooling systems, lighting, and entertainment systems can also contribute. Driving at higher speeds or accelerating quickly will also drain the battery faster. To maximise battery life, drive at lower speeds, use smooth acceleration, and reduce the use of power-intensive features such as heated screens and touchscreens.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Driving the vehicle | The most significant drain on the battery |
| Drivetrain | Most significant drain on the battery |
| Heating and cooling systems | Major power drain |
| Lighting systems | Minimal impact, equal to 0.2 miles per hour |
| Indicators, fog lights, brake lights, headlights | 0.2 miles per hour |
| Touchscreens, sound systems, USB chargers | Contribute to battery drain |
| Screens for rear passengers | Can contribute to battery drain |
| USB ports to charge devices | Can contribute to battery drain |
| Aerodynamic drag | Contributes to battery depletion |
| Vehicle weight | Heavier vehicles may generate more energy for the battery |
| Environmental conditions | Weather-related battery drain is a serious issue in cold climates |
| Cabin temperature | Biggest power drain after driving the vehicle |
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What You'll Learn
Heating and cooling systems
Electric vehicles (EVs) require specially designed heating and cooling systems as their engines do not generate heat. The heating and cooling systems in an EV work in conjunction with one another to maintain a comfortable temperature in the cabin. The air conditioning system is responsible for cooling the interior in summer and providing warm air in winter. The common element in both systems is the refrigerant, which either receives heat from the heater or is cooled in the radiator, depending on the mode of operation.
The heating and cooling systems in an EV can be a significant drain on the vehicle's battery. The start-up of these systems requires a large amount of energy, and in cold weather, the battery may show reduced range as it needs to use energy to heat up. The use of the cabin's heating system further increases the energy demand for the compressor, which results in faster battery drainage. The impact of heating and cooling systems on battery life is particularly notable in cold weather, with tests showing that the average range of an electric car can drop by up to half in temperatures below -7°C compared to optimal conditions of 24°C.
To reduce the impact of heating and cooling systems on battery life, some EVs utilise a heat pump, which can operate in both heating and cooling modes. In heating mode, warm air is blown directly into the cabin, while in cooling mode, it goes to a condenser, dehumidifier, expansion valve, and evaporator. Heat pumps can be more efficient than traditional heaters, and pre-conditioning can also help to maximise range by bringing the cabin to the desired temperature while the car is still plugged in at home.
Another approach to improving the efficiency of heating and cooling systems in EVs is through the use of carbon nanotube film heaters. This technology allows for quick cooling when the heating is switched off and even reheating. Additionally, the development of self-heating batteries, such as those created by scientists at Pennsylvania State University in 2018, could help EVs perform better in cold weather. These batteries incorporate a nickel foil that intercepts electrons when the battery temperature dips below room temperature, warming the foil and, in turn, the entire battery.
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Lighting and entertainment systems
If you are running low on battery, you may want to consider turning off your infotainment screen and sitting in silence. However, you can also take advantage of regenerative braking systems, which put some energy back into the battery when coasting and braking. Smooth and steady driving will also help extend your battery's range.
To maximize your battery's performance, it is important to stay informed about your EV's usage and make decisions accordingly. For instance, pre-heating your battery before driving in cold weather will draw electricity from your home's electrical system, rather than your car's battery. Similarly, using a heat pump to warm up your car while it is still plugged in at home will reduce the amount of battery power needed to heat the car when you set off.
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Driving speed and conditions
Firstly, it is important to understand that driving at higher speeds will always consume more power. Data from GRIDSERVE illustrates this point; over an hour-long journey, driving at 60mph will use 13% less energy than driving at 70mph, equating to roughly six miles of range per hour. Therefore, small adjustments to your speed can make a significant difference in battery range.
Secondly, driving conditions can also impact battery drain. For example, driving in stop-and-go traffic or on city roads will generally be more efficient than maintaining a steady speed on a highway. This is because electric cars have regenerative braking systems that return energy to the battery when coasting and braking. So, when driving in stop-and-go traffic, the regenerative braking system can provide a notable boost in battery range.
Additionally, external conditions such as weather and terrain can influence battery drain. Extreme cold or hot temperatures can reduce battery range, as the car needs to use energy to regulate the battery temperature. For instance, in freezing temperatures, the battery chemistry becomes sluggish, and the car must use energy to heat the battery. Similarly, climbing hills, driving on rough terrain, or carrying heavy loads will all require more energy, leading to increased battery drain.
To optimize battery life, it is recommended to drive smoothly and maintain a steady speed. This can be facilitated by utilizing low-rolling-resistance tires, which are designed to minimize rolling resistance, thereby reducing the energy needed to move the vehicle. Furthermore, planning routes in advance can help optimize battery range by taking into account elevation, terrain, and traffic conditions.
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Passenger and cargo load
The passenger and cargo load of a vehicle can affect its electric range. The more passengers and cargo you load into the vehicle, the less efficient the EV will be. This is because heavier loads require more energy to move, reducing the overall range. Therefore, every additional pound of weight contributes to decreased efficiency. When planning trips with heavy loads, it is essential to consider the reduced range and plan more frequent charging stops.
However, it is worth noting that some vehicles use regenerative braking, which means that a heavier car could generate more energy for the battery. Nevertheless, the impact of weight on electric vehicles is significant enough that it is recommended to limit the weight carried when possible.
In addition to passenger and cargo load, several other factors can affect the electric range of a vehicle. For example, cold weather can cause a drop in range due to the battery needing to warm up. Using the heating system during cold temperatures will also result in range loss, as it uses energy that could otherwise be used to move the wheels. Similarly, using the air conditioning in hot weather can drain the battery and reduce the vehicle's range.
Another factor that can affect electric vehicle range is wind resistance. The higher the headwinds, the more resistance the vehicle experiences, and the harder the motor has to work to combat the negative effect. This increased workload on the motor leads to a decrease in efficiency and, ultimately, a reduced range.
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Pre-conditioning and heat pumps
Electric vehicles (EVs) rely entirely on their batteries, and while these have become very advanced, they can still run out of power. The drivetrain is the most significant drain on an EV's battery, but heating and cooling systems can also have a major impact.
Pre-conditioning is a way to get around this. By taking advantage of pre-conditioning, you can bring the cabin up to temperature, defrost and demist your windows, and warm up your battery so it's operating at its peak before you set off. This means you won't have to use your battery to heat the car when you leave, maximising your range.
Heat pumps are an efficient way to move heat from where it's not wanted to where it's needed. In an EV, a heat pump draws air in from outside, compresses it, and uses the heat from the condenser to raise the temperature in either the battery or the car's interior. This process is the reverse of what happens in a fridge. Reversible heat pumps can also cool the battery. If cooling, any excess heat from the battery can be sent to the inside of the car via the cabin heater.
Heat pumps are becoming more common in modern EVs. Some manufacturers offer them as standard, while others provide them as an optional extra. They can be expensive, but they are worth considering for their extensive benefits, including improving efficiency and increasing the range of your EV. They are also great for getting the cabin to a comfortable temperature before you even set foot in the car. This is usually done through a smartphone app or the car's app, which lets you set the time you want to begin your journey and the temperature you'd like the cabin to be at that point.
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Frequently asked questions
To isolate electric drain in your vehicle, you can take the following steps:
- Identify the systems that drain the most energy. These include the heating and cooling systems, lighting, and entertainment systems.
- Consider using alternative methods to heat or cool your car, such as pre-conditioning your car while it is plugged in at home, instead of using battery power when you set off.
- Limit the use of energy-intensive features such as heated screens, quick-power features, and high acceleration.
- Reduce the weight in your car as batteries expend less energy moving lighter loads.
Some common things that drain your electric car battery include:
- The drivetrain
- Heating and cooling systems
- Lighting systems, especially during winter when lights are used for longer
- Infotainment systems, USB chargers, and charging electronic devices
Driving at higher speeds and accelerating quickly will drain your battery faster. Driving in cold weather can also reduce your range by up to 32%. On the other hand, driving in stop-and-go traffic and using regenerative braking can help extend your battery life.
