Can the heater be turned on while charging a new energy vehicle?
3 Answers
It is possible to turn on the heater while charging a new energy vehicle, but it is generally not recommended. Using the air conditioning during charging increases the internal charge load on the battery, causing the battery pack to continue working before it is fully charged. This accelerates the degradation rate of the power battery pack. Moreover, during the charging process, new energy vehicles typically operate under stable voltage and current conditions. However, using high-power appliances like the air conditioning requires higher voltage, which can lead to unstable current and negatively affect charging efficiency. Additionally, the battery capacity of a new energy vehicle's power battery pack is fixed during charging. If the air conditioning is used, it will continuously consume power, thereby prolonging the overall charging time. More importantly, using electrical appliances in the vehicle during charging accelerates the reaction speed of the battery's internal materials due to the current flow in the cycle. This speeds up battery degradation, and simultaneous charging and discharging can exacerbate battery aging and potentially increase the risk of spontaneous combustion. Therefore, although most pure electric vehicles currently allow the air conditioning to be used while charging, it is advisable to minimize simultaneous charging and discharging to prolong the battery's lifespan.
I've driven quite a few electric vehicles, and using the heater while charging is feasible, but it depends on the model and settings. During the charging process, the vehicle's systems are usually active, similar to how you can still use apps while charging your phone. If the heater is electric, it will draw power from the battery or charging current, which may slow down the charging speed because some power is diverted to the HVAC system. Most modern cars have intelligent management systems that prioritize battery charging while supporting auxiliary functions. However, if you're using high-power fast charging, turning on the heater might reduce efficiency and extend the overall charging time. Additionally, in very cold weather, the heater can help pre-warm the cabin for greater comfort. But remember to check your vehicle's manual, as some older models or specific brands may restrict high-power devices during charging. Overall, it's not a big issue—just avoid running it at full blast for extended periods.
As a driver who's often on the road, I don't see much issue with using the heater while charging. Vehicle designs already account for such scenarios, so it won't directly harm the battery or safety. The key is avoiding system overload—for instance, running the heater too long during charging may increase thermal load, raising battery temperature and affecting lifespan. I recommend operating in well-ventilated areas rather than enclosed garages. Also, heater usage increases power consumption, so expect longer charging times. Once during winter, I preheated with the heater while charging and noticed the charging indicator slowed, so I generally use it briefly now. Safety first—ensure you don't drain remaining charge, and it's more reassuring to charge fully before long trips. Just monitor real-world usage and avoid frequent high-load operation.
