This, with its own recharge timeone of The first criteria for buying an electric car : his autonomy. Gasoline and diesel are used to the fact that we can hold a full for several hundred kilometers, which is not the case with all electric cars. At this level, brands and models are not in the same boat. Small city cars, for example, can afford only a small autonomy: 135 km entry level for Smart Fortwo EQ190 km for a Twingo or a Fiat 500e250 km for Volkswagen e-Up…

The size, voltage (400 V or 800 V) or capacity of the battery determines the maximum range that an electric vehicle can theoretically achieve. Yes, in theory, because this figure already changes depending on traffic conditions and adopted driving style. And in the current context of winter, autonomy tends to decrease when it’s cold.

Loss of independence when cold

This phenomenon can be explained by several factors. Already, chemical and physical reactions which arise in the battery to power the electric motor much slower at low temperatures. This is the same principle as on our smartphones, for example. Which are slower and lose battery much faster in winter. Cold acts as resistance. This is special heater which explains the reduced range in winter. Previously, heat engines had moving parts that were in a state of friction. They produced heat and took it to the salon. electric motors much simpler, and therefore produce very little heat. So, to warm the interior, you have to go receive power directly from the battery. And at negative temperatures, it is necessary to get decent heat in the cabin attract a lot of energy.

Differences depending on the use of the heat pump

So, On average, electric cars lose 18% of their range in winter. This is a number from an American study who studied the loss of autonomy on 14 electric models on the market. They compared the performance of one model at 20°C and at -5°C. Those who have it worst Volkswagen ID4 and Ford Mustang Mach-E (-30%). It is followed by BMW i3 (-24%) and Volkswagen e-Golf (-23%). Conversely, those who save the furniture are the ones Jaguar i-Pace (-3%) and Audi e-tron (now renamed Q8 e-tron, – 8%).

This discrepancy may vary due to different battery characteristics explained by the use of a heat pump, with which these last two models were equipped at the testing stage. A component that is optional for most models (around 1000 euros) and which allows interior heating by compressing the outside air instead of drawing power from the battery. This system reduces the energy consumption of the heating system by 3-4 times.. It should be democratized with lower costs so that winter is not another argument are reluctant to switch to electric cars.