The cold weather can be tough on electric vehicles, but just how tough? That’s the question that was tackled in a recent experiment conducted by a car enthusiast. The goal was to determine just how long an electric car could last in cold weather conditions, specifically when stuck in traffic.
The experiment involved two different electric vehicles, a Tesla Model S and an older model 3. The Model S had advanced heat pump technology, while the older model 3 had a resistive heater. The Model S was started with a warm battery pack, simulating a road trip condition, while the older model 3 was started with a frozen battery pack, representing a worst-case scenario.
The results were surprising. The Model S used only 3 kilowatt hours of energy in a 1-hour period, while the older model 3 used 8 kilowatt hours. This meant that the Model S could last over 30 hours in traffic, while the older model 3 could last around 12 hours in similar conditions.
The experiment highlighted the importance of starting with a warm battery pack and having efficient heating technology in electric vehicles. It also emphasized the need to overcharge and overfill in adverse weather conditions to ensure you have enough battery capacity to last in unexpected situations.
Overall, the experiment provided valuable insights into the capabilities of electric vehicles in cold weather conditions and offered practical advice for electric vehicle owners. It was a fascinating exploration of the challenges and possibilities of electric cars in extreme weather conditions.
