Does Using Air Conditioning in Electric Vehicles Significantly Affect Range?
3 Answers
Using air conditioning in electric vehicles has a considerable impact on range. Operating the AC increases power consumption by approximately 7%. During winter heating, the energy loss is even greater. According to bench tests, using PTC heaters in low temperatures can reduce range by nearly 30%. Principle of Electric Vehicle Air Conditioning: The refrigeration principle of electric vehicle air conditioning is similar to that of traditional fuel-powered vehicles, employing an electric compressor. The cold end and its heat exchanger function similarly to the evaporator in compression refrigeration, while the hot end and its heat exchanger act as the condenser. When powered, free electrons and holes move from the cold end to the hot end under the influence of an external electric field, analogous to the compression process of refrigerant in a compressor. The heating system employs two methods: one using a heat pump, and the other utilizing a PTC electric heater. Factors Affecting Electric Vehicle Range: Beyond air conditioning use, cold weather significantly reduces the range of electric vehicles. Additionally, certain driving habits, such as charging practices and driving style, play a role. Some drivers, taking advantage of the high torque and quick response of electric vehicles, frequently accelerate aggressively and overtake, which substantially decreases range. Gentle acceleration and maintaining a steady speed can effectively enhance vehicle range.
I've been driving an electric car for over five years, and the impact of air conditioning on range is indeed significant. In summer, using the AC can reduce the range by 10-20%. In winter, heating is even worse—once during a long trip in sub-zero temperatures, my range dropped by half, and I almost got stranded. Now, I use my phone app to pre-cool or pre-heat the car before setting off, adjusting the fan speed or using seat heaters once the cabin temperature is comfortable. At higher speeds, like on the highway, the AC's power consumption is less noticeable, but in stop-and-go city driving, it’s particularly draining. Newer models with heat pump technology are much more efficient, saving a lot of energy. In short, using AC can cost you dozens of kilometers in range, so it’s best to get into the habit of pre-conditioning and avoid cranking it up only after you start driving.
As an electric vehicle technology enthusiast, I've tested the range data with air conditioning on. The AC directly consumes battery power, typically at 1-2 kW, reducing range by 5-10 km per hour of use. Winter heating consumes more electricity than summer cooling, with impacts exceeding 30%, as heating requires a heater rather than a compressor. However, heat pump systems are far more efficient, limiting the impact to under 15%. I often use the scheduled AC activation feature while charging to conserve driving battery. Automakers are continuously developing efficient components, such as integrated battery thermal management systems in some models, making AC operation smarter. The challenge of AC on range will be significantly reduced in the future.
