Where is the heating switch for electric vehicles?

[GavinRose]

To activate the heating system in an electric vehicle, simply turn off the A/C switch and adjust the heating temperature. Below is a detailed introduction to the heating system of electric vehicle air conditioning: 1. PTC Thermistor Heating System: The heating principle of the PTC thermistor heating system is similar to that of an electric heating wire, generating heat through current passing through a resistor. Due to its simple structure, low cost, and fast heating characteristics, PTC heaters are widely used in pure electric vehicles (especially in mid-to-low-end models). 2. Heat Pump Heating System: The function of a heat pump is to transfer thermal energy from a low-temperature heat source to a high-temperature heat source, with a working principle similar to that of an air conditioning refrigeration system. Compared to PTC heaters, heat pump systems have higher thermal efficiency, lower energy consumption, and relatively less impact on the vehicle's range.

[StAlexis]

To turn on the heater, I usually go straight for the little sun icon or the temperature knob on the center console. Nowadays, electric vehicles mostly rely on heat pumps or PTC heating elements for warmth, unlike traditional cars that use engine coolant. Just open the air conditioning control interface, press the heating button (usually an upward arrow icon), and increase the value in the red temperature zone. In some cars, the steering wheel heating button is bundled with the seat heating function. Remember to use the app to schedule heating 5 minutes in advance—getting into a warm car not only feels cozy but also saves some range. Otherwise, running the heater for half an hour can reduce your range by about 20 kilometers. The new car manual has specific diagrams, and if you can't find it, check the handbook in the glove compartment.

[ArthurMarie]

Last time I drove my bestie's electric car, I realized she didn't even know where the heater button was. I showed her the row of physical buttons at the bottom of the center console—the one with the fan icon and a small red dot on the left is the heater switch. Some cars, like Teslas, require you to go into the climate menu to adjust the temperature slider. The stalk behind the steering wheel can also quickly adjust the temperature. In winter, I just press Auto+ and turn up the heat, and the system automatically balances the hot and cold air. But remember, when the windshield fogs up, you need to manually turn the airflow to maximum to defog the glass—don't rely on auto mode. Using seat heaters saves three times more energy than the AC. For short trips, I'd rather wear an extra jacket.

[LunaLynn]

Having driven five different brands of electric vehicles, I found that the heating controls are actually hidden in three places: traditional physical knobs, secondary menus on touchscreens, and voice control. Last week, while driving the XPeng G9, I simply said, 'Hello XP, turn on the heating to 26 degrees.' Mechanical buttons are usually concentrated in the red area of the air conditioning panel. Important reminder for northern drivers: when it's minus ten degrees, don't turn on the maximum heating immediately after getting in the car. First, turn on the seat heating to let the PTC work gradually, otherwise the sudden high current might blow a fuse. It's most cost-effective to turn on the heating while charging, as it uses grid electricity instead of draining the battery.