The rise of electric vehicles marks a major turning point in the history of the automobile. However, these vehicles still present some technical challenges, particularly during the winter season.
Dropping temperatures directly affects battery performance, causing a notable reduction in range which worries many drivers. To understand this phenomenon, let’s delve behind the scientific scenes of this technological challenge.
Battery chemistry put to the test by cold
At the heart of electric cars are lithium-ion batteries, the true conductors of electric mobility. These batteries work through complex chemical reactions involving the movement of lithium ions between the anode and cathode.
The cold considerably disrupts this chemical ballet. Low temperatures increase the internal resistance of the battery, thus slowing down the movement of ions. It’s as if they had to swim in a pool of syrup rather than water.
This increase in resistance does not only translate into a reduction in storage capacity. It also impacts the power available for acceleration and reduces the effectiveness of energy recovery when braking.. Electrolytes, the substances that allow the transport of ions, become more viscous in cold weather, further aggravating the problem.
The vicious circle of heating and comfort
Unlike thermal cars which take advantage of the heat from the engine to heat the passenger compartment, electric vehicles must draw on their batteries to ensure passenger comfort. This particularity creates a real vicious circle in winter. Heating the passenger compartment, defogging the windows, heated seats and the heated steering wheel are all energy consumers that impact range.
The situation becomes particularly critical during short journeys. The battery, already weakened by the cold, must provide a significant amount of energy to heat the passenger compartmenteven though it has not reached its optimal operating temperature. This double penalty can reduce the range dramatically, particularly in cities where frequent stops make it impossible to maintain a stable temperature.
Solutions developed by manufacturers
Faced with these challenges, the automotive industry is not remaining idle. Manufacturers have developed several innovations to mitigate the impact of cold on the performance of electric vehicles.
Battery preconditioning is among the most effective solutions. This technology allows the battery to be warmed while the vehicle is still plugged in, thereby preserving range for the journey ahead.
Battery thermal management systems are also becoming more sophisticated. Some manufacturers have developed heat pumps specially designed for electric vehiclesoptimizing the use of energy for heating.
Research is also continuing into the development of new battery chemistries that are less sensitive to temperature variations. These advances could, ultimately, considerably reduce the impact of cold on the range of electric vehicles.
- The reduction in range in winter is explained by the slowdown of chemical reactions in the battery
- Heating the passenger compartment consumes part of the available energy
- Manufacturers are developing solutions like preconditioning and heat pumps to improve winter performance
