Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to gas-powered cars. One question that often comes up is whether EVs heat up faster in cold weather compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. There are a few factors that determine how quickly an EV cabin warms up.
How electric car heating systems work
In a gas car, the engine produces waste heat that is captured and directed into the cabin through the heating system. EVs don’t have an engine that produces heat, so they use electric heating elements instead. These heating elements use power from the battery to generate heat.
The heating system in an EV works by circulating a liquid coolant through the battery pack to draw heat, then pumping that warm coolant through a heater core under the dashboard. As cold air from outside passes through the heater core, it warms up and enters the cabin.
Factors that affect EV warm up time
There are a few key factors that determine how quickly an electric car can heat up:
– Battery size – EVs with larger battery packs can produce more heat for the cabin.
– Battery chemistry – Some EV battery chemistries tend to run warmer than others. Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries tend to heat up faster than lithium-ion batteries.
– Outside temperature – The colder it is outside, the longer it takes for the cabin to reach a comfortable temperature.
– Cabin size – EVs with a smaller interior volume generally heat up faster than larger vehicles.
– Insulation and glass – Well-insulated cars with double pane glass retain heat better.
– Heating system power – Higher powered heating elements can produce heat more quickly.
Do electric cars heat up faster than gas cars?
There is no definitive answer and it depends on the specific vehicles being compared. However, some general trends have been observed:
– In extreme cold weather (below freezing), gas car cabins tend to heat up faster, especially within the first 5-10 minutes after starting the engine. The engine quickly provides heat while the EV battery pack is still warming up.
– During milder temperatures (30-50°F), there is not much difference in warm up time between a gas car and comparable electric model. Cabins reach a comfortable temperature within a few minutes in both vehicle types.
– Once the battery is warmed up, some EVs can heat the cabin faster than an idling gas engine due to their high-powered electric heating elements. The Tesla Model S, for example, is known for its rapid heating.
– Well-insulated EVs (like the Model 3) retain heat extremely well compared to poorly insulated gas cars. This helps them maintain cabin warmth once heated.
So in summary, gas cars generally provide heat more quickly in extremely cold weather, but well-designed EVs can match or exceed gas car cabin heating performance in milder conditions and once the battery is warm. The specific vehicle makes and models being compared make a big difference.
Factors that affect how quickly car cabins heat up
Many variables impact how quickly a car’s cabin can reach a comfortable temperature in cold weather. Here are some of the most significant factors:
Engine size (gas cars)
Larger engines produce more waste heat and allow the heating system to warm up faster. Turbocharged engines also tend to heat up quicker by recirculating hot exhaust through the turbo. In gas cars, upgrading to a larger engine or adding a turbocharger can improve warm up times.
Battery size (electric cars)
As mentioned earlier, EVs with larger battery packs are able to produce more heat for the cabin. For example, the Tesla Model S with its 100 kWh battery can heat up faster than the Model 3 with a 50-75 kWh battery.
Vehicle size and cabin volume
It’s easier to heat up a smaller space. Compact cars generally reach an comfortable temperature faster than large SUVs with more cabin space to heat.
Insulation
Vehicles with better insulation, weather stripping, and double pane glass hold in heat much better. This helps maintain cabin warmth rather than letting heat escape. Upgrading insulation can improve warm up times.
Heating system power
The number of heating elements and the total power draw affects the maximum heat output. More powerful heating systems heat up quicker.
Battery temperature (EVs)
The chemical reactions within an EV battery generate more heat when the battery is warm. If the battery is already preheated (like from charging), the cabin will heat up faster.
Outside temperature
The colder it is outside, the longer it takes to warm up the interior. Heating systems have to work harder at lower ambient temperatures.
Windshield glass
Laminated acoustic windshield glass blocks heat transfer more than regular glass. While it reduces noise, it also causes the cabin to take longer to warm up.
Seat material
Leather or vinyl seats feel warmer faster than cloth/fabric seats. The type of seat material impacts perceived warmth.
Defrost settings
Having defrost mode turned on diverts more hot air to the windshield, which can slow down warming the cabin.
Tips for faster electric car heating
Here are some tips to help your EV heat up faster in cold weather:
Preconditioning
Many electric cars have a preconditioning feature that warms up the battery and cabin while plugged in. This brings temperatures up before you even leave.
Use seat and steering wheel heaters
These direct heaters warm you up faster than just cabin heat. Use them while the main heating is still warming up.
Park in a garage
Keeping your EV sheltered from the elements helps prevent heat loss and avoids having to reheat a cold soaked car.
Use climate control timer
Set your EV to start preheating the cabin before your departure time.
Lower windows gradually
If de-fogging, crack the window just slightly then gradually open wider. This preserves more cabin heat.
Insulate your garage
An insulated garage prevents parked EVs from losing their heat overnight.
Preheat battery during charging
Some chargers allow preheating the battery pack while plugged in to maximize heat available for the cabin.
Warm cabin before driving
Let the cabin fully heat up while parked before driving off, so stored thermal energy can offset losses while driving.
Use seat covers
Insulated seat covers trap body heat in the seats for a warmer feel.
Comparison of cabin heating performance
Here is a comparison of approximate cabin heating times for some popular electric and gas-powered vehicles:
Electric Vehicles
| EV Model | Battery Size | Heating Time from 30°F |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model S | 100 kWh | 2 minutes |
| Tesla Model 3 | 75 kWh | 3 minutes |
| Nissan Leaf | 40 kWh | 4 minutes |
| Chevy Bolt | 60 kWh | 3 minutes |
Gas-Powered Vehicles
| Vehicle | Engine Size | Heating Time from 30°F |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Camry | 2.5L | 3 minutes |
| Honda Accord | 1.5L Turbo | 4 minutes |
| Toyota RAV4 | 2.5L | 4 minutes |
| Ford F-150 | 3.5L Turbo | 2 minutes |
This data shows heating time tends to be faster in EVs with larger batteries and gas cars with bigger, turbocharged engines. But there is considerable variability depending on vehicle insulation, heating system power, and other factors. Many late model EVs and gas cars heat up within 2-4 minutes at around 30°F.
Effects of cold weather on electric car range
Extreme cold negatively impacts EV driving range. Here’s how:
Reduced battery capacity
Lithium-ion batteries have reduced available energy capacity in sub-freezing temperatures. For example, at -4°F, a battery may only have 50% as much usable capacity as it does at 70°F.
Increased interior heating power draw
Heating the cabin draws significant power from the battery, reducing range. Some EVs lose 12-30+ miles of range per hour of heating use.
Preheating before driving
Taking an EV from -4°F to a 70°F interior draws 1-1.5 kWh – equivalent to about 5 miles of range loss.
Battery thermal management
Keeping the battery warm through liquid cooling/heating also requires energy, further reducing range.
Regenerative braking limited
Cold temperatures inhibit regenerative braking power, limiting the energy recovered into the battery while decelerating.
Tire resistance and friction
Tire pressure drops in the cold, increasing rolling resistance. Colder rubber compound results in higher mechanical friction with the road.
Denser, more viscous air
The cold air is denser, resulting in slightly higher aerodynamic drag on the vehicle.
While extreme cold saps EV range substantially, using heating and climate control judiciously can minimize the impact. Preconditioning while plugged in avoids extra battery drain. Parking in insulated garages also helps maintain range.
Conclusion
In summary, gas cars tend to provide heat slightly faster in the first few minutes in extremely cold weather, but well-designed EVs can match gas cars reasonably well for cabin warm up times. Larger battery packs produce more heating power for EVs, while large engines or turbochargers help gas car heating. Many late model EVs and gas cars can achieve comfortable interior temperatures within 2-4 minutes at around 30°F. EVs do experience major driving range impacts in cold conditions, but effects can be reduced through careful use of climate control settings and preparatory conditioning when plugged in. With smart utilization of their heating systems, both electric and gas-powered vehicles are capable of providing a warm and comfortable cabin in frigid winter weather.