Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

  > The problem is that driving EVs in the cold costs a lot more energy. I've got a Ford Mustang Mach E
Nowadays this problem is mostly just the Mach E.

The Mach E delivers heat in the most inefficient way possible: resistive heat[0]. Modern EVs from other manufacturers use heat pumps, which are much more efficient. There's still some drop in winter range (like gas cars), but it's nowhere near 35% anymore.[1]

Ford's system is also Rube Goldberg[2]: they use a water-based PTC heater to warm a small isolated coolant loop (complete with its own separate reservoir!), and then run a pump to send it through a liquid-to-air heater core. Obviously done for commonality with an ICE heater core, but the unnecessary weight and complexity shows the compromises to shoehorn an electric drivetrain into a ICE (or even "flex") platform.

[0] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00ejq7z4H6g&t=449

[1] https://www.autoevolution.com/news/here-s-how-much-range-a-t...

[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1kHsd3Ocxc




Consider applying for YC's Spring batch! Applications are open till Feb 11.

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: